Table of Contents
Introduction
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) is a key institution within Ghana’s Security and Defense Sector under the Ministry of the Interior. Its primary mandate is to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, prevent and detect crime, and enforce laws within Ghana.
Organizational Structure
Key Leadership:
Inspector-General of Police (IGP):
- The highest-ranking officer in the service.
- Appointed by the President in consultation with the Council of State.
- Responsible for the overall administration, command, and operation of the Police Service.
chronological history of Ghana’s IGPs since independence:
George Akuffo Dampare (2021–Present)
- Youngest IGP in Ghana’s history at the time of appointment.
- Known for community engagement and proactive reforms.
James Oppong-Boanuh (2019 – 2021)
- Prioritized operational effectiveness and police welfare.
David Asante-Apeatu (2017 – 2019)
- Appointed by President Nana Akufo-Addo.
- Focused on tackling cybercrime and terrorism.
John Kudalor (2015 – 2017)
- Served under President John Dramani Mahama.
- Focused on ensuring peaceful elections in 2016.
Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan (2013 – 2015)
- Introduced the Police Visibility and Accessibility program.
Paul Tawiah Quaye (2009 – 2013)
- Appointed by President John Atta Mills.
- Worked on enhancing community policing.
Elizabeth Mills-Robertson (Acting, 2009)
- First woman to act as IGP.
- Served during the transitional period after the 2008 elections.
Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong (2005 – 2009)
- Focused on improving police logistics and capacity-building.
Ernest Owusu-Poku (2001 – 2005)
- Served under President John Agyekum Kufuor.
- Introduced reforms to modernize the police service.
J.Y.A. Kwofie (1990–1996)
- Appointed by Jerry John Rawlings, he served during the early years of the Fourth Republic, overseeing the transition of the police force into a democratic governance framework.
Peter Nanfuri (1996 – 2001)
- Served during Jerry John Rawlings’ democratic administration.
- Was known for restructuring police operations.
C. K. Dewornu (1989 – 1996)
- Returned as IGP during the transition from military to constitutional rule.
J. A. K. Anann (1986 – 1989)
- Played a significant role during Rawlings’ PNDC era.
A. K. Deku (1984 – 1986)
- Continued under the Rawlings-led PNDC government.
R. K. Amegashie (1981 – 1984)
- Oversaw police affairs during the early days of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) under Jerry John Rawlings.
C. K. Dewornu (1979 – 1981)
- Served during the transitional government and the early days of the Limann administration.
J. C. Deku (1978 – 1979)
- Appointed under the Supreme Military Council (SMC) regime.
F. P. Kyei (1974 – 1978)
- Served during the period of military rule under Acheampong.
S. J. A. Odoi (1972 – 1974)
- Appointed under the National Redemption Council (NRC) led by Col. Ignatius Kutu Acheampong.
R. D. Ampaw (1971 – 1972)
- Served during the short-lived Busia government before the coup by Acheampong.
J. W. K. Harlley (1969 – 1971)
- Returned as IGP during the Busia administration.
B. A. Yakubu (1967 – 1969)
- First Northerner to be appointed as IGP.
- Oversaw police affairs during the military regime of the National Liberation Council (NLC).
J. Harlley (1964 – 1966)
- Played a significant role in the coup that ousted Kwame Nkrumah in 1966.
- Served during a politically turbulent period.
E. R. T. Madjitey (1958 – 1963)
- First Ghanaian IGP and first African to hold the position.
- Served under President Kwame Nkrumah.
Hierarchical Structure:
Regional Police Commanders:
- Oversee police operations within each of Ghana’s 16 regions.
- Report to the IGP.
Legal Oversight
- Regional Police Commanders operate under the oversight of the Police Council (per Article 203 of the 1992 Constitution) and the Ministry of Interior.
Divisional Commanders:
- Manage divisions within regions.
- Supervise district-level police operations.
District Commanders:
- Handle policing at the district level.
- Report to divisional commanders.
Station Officers:
- Manage police stations and handle local-level operations.
Ranks and Roles
General Police Ranks (from highest to lowest):
Commissioned Officers:
- Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
- Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIGP)
- Commissioner of Police (COP)
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP)
- Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)
- Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)
- Superintendent of Police (SP)
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
- Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs):
- Chief Inspector
- Inspector
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Lance Corporal
- Constable
Job Roles and Responsibilities:
Inspector-General of Police (IGP):
- Sets policies and provides strategic direction.
- Oversees all administrative, operational, and logistics management.
Regional and Divisional Commanders:
- Develop crime prevention strategies at their respective levels.
- Monitor the performance of officers under their jurisdiction.
District and Station Officers:
- Manage personnel at their stations.
- Ensure proper enforcement of laws and community engagement.
Investigative Officers (CID):
- Conduct criminal investigations.
- Collect evidence for prosecution and monitor ongoing cases.
Traffic Police:
- Manage road traffic, ensure compliance with road safety laws.
- Investigate road accidents.
Marine Police:
- Enforce laws along Ghana’s coastlines and inland waterways.
- Protect maritime resources.
SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics):
- Handle high-risk operations like armed robberies, hostage situations, and counter-terrorism.
Community Police Unit:
- Foster relationships between the police and local communities.
- Assist in community crime prevention and conflict resolution.
Operational Divisions
Crime Investigation Department (CID):
- Focuses on investigating serious crimes such as homicide, fraud, and cybercrime.
- Includes specialized units like:
- Fraud Unit
- Narcotics Control Unit
- Cyber Crime Unit
Patrol and Response Unit:
- Provides rapid response to emergency situations.
- Regular patrols to deter crime.
Formed Police Units (FPU):
- Deployed for crowd control, riots, and public order maintenance.
Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU):
- Handles domestic violence, child abuse, and gender-based violence cases.
- Offers counseling and victim support services.
Police Intelligence Unit:
- Gathers and analyzes intelligence on potential criminal activities.
Core Activities:
Crime Prevention:
- Patrols and community policing.
- Installation of surveillance systems in crime-prone areas.
Law Enforcement:
- Arresting and prosecuting offenders.
- Issuing fines and enforcing judicial orders.
Public Safety and Education:
- Sensitization programs on crime prevention.
- Public demonstrations on road safety and emergency responses.
Specialized Operations:
- Anti-armed robbery operations.
- Narcotics interdiction.
- Anti-human trafficking initiatives.
Oversight and Accountability
Police Council:
- Provides oversight over police operations and administration.
- Ensures discipline and professionalism within the service.
Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB):
- Investigates complaints against police personnel.
- Handles cases of misconduct and abuse of power.
Parliamentary Oversight:
- Reviews the performance and expenditure of the Police Service.
Challenges
- Limited resources (vehicles, communication tools, and forensic equipment).
- Public mistrust due to perceived corruption and abuse of power.
- Rising threats such as cybercrime, armed robbery, and terrorism.
Ongoing Reforms:
Community Policing Model:
- Strengthening police-community collaboration to enhance trust.
Modernization of Equipment:
- Acquisition of body cameras, drones, and surveillance tools.
Training Programs:
Digitization of Operations:
- Implementing e-policing systems for case management and record-keeping.