The bustling streets of Accra often tell a story of rapid urbanization, but amidst the progress, a critical challenge remains: ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. Recently, at the launch of former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan’s book, “An Aroma of Policing A Life of Service in Law Enforcement and Global Peacekeeping,” Chief of Staff Julius Debrah articulated a vision for the future of policing in Ghana. His message was clear: modern policing must prioritize crime prevention, shifting from reactive measures to proactive strategies that build safer communities. This shift, emphasizing visibility, intelligence-led operations, and strong community partnerships, marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s approach to law enforcement. This article explores the key takeaways from Mr. Debrah’s address and the implications for the future of policing in Ghana, drawing on insights from Mr. Alhassan’s book.

For too long, policing has been viewed as a response to criminal activity. Sirens wailing after a robbery, investigations launched following an assault – these are the images that often come to mind. But Mr. Debrah and Mr. Alhassan are advocating for a different approach, one that focuses on stopping crimes before they happen.

This approach entails more than just increased police presence. It requires a fundamental change in mindset, a move towards proactive strategies grounded in visibility, intelligence-led operations, and strong community partnerships. As Mr. Debrah stated, “[The country] must shift from reactive policing to proactive strategies grounded in visibility, intelligence-led operations, and strong community partnerships.” This means strategically deploying officers to deter potential offenders, using data and analysis to identify and address crime hotspots, and fostering collaboration between the police and the communities they serve.

The idea of building trust between the police and the community is paramount to ensure effective crime prevention. As communities work with the police they are more willing to provide information that may help prevent future occurrences of criminal activity.

Rebuilding trust between the police and the community is not merely a matter of public relations; it is a cornerstone of effective crime prevention. Expanding early warning systems within communities can help identify and address potential threats before they escalate, allowing for timely intervention and support. Mr. Yohuno’s comments emphasized that Mr. Alhassan’s leadership “restored public confidence and built trust between the police and the community,” highlighting the tangible impact of fostering positive relationships.

Investing in leadership and training within the Ghana Police Service is essential for building a disciplined, modern, and competent service capable of addressing the evolving challenges of crime prevention. Mr. Debrah emphasized the importance of nurturing leaders who are not only operationally competent but also committed to mentorship, innovation, and continuous learning. Specialist training is needed in key areas such as cybercrime, counterterrorism, public order management, forensics, and maritime security, reflecting the increasingly complex nature of criminal activity.

“Our Police Service must invest in leaders who are not only operationally competent but also committed to mentorship, innovation, and continuous learning,” noted Mr. Debrah, underscoring the need for a forward-thinking approach to leadership development.

Mr. Debrah also touched on the crucial link between welfare, morale, and professionalism within the Police Service. Addressing the conditions of service, including decent accommodation and healthcare, is vital for enhancing police effectiveness and ensuring that officers are motivated to perform their duties with integrity and dedication.

Mr. Alhassan’s book, “An Aroma of Policing,” offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of a career in law enforcement, documenting his journey and sharing hard-earned lessons from his time in the Police Service. As the Ghana Police Service seeks to prioritize crime prevention, the experiences and insights shared in Mr. Alhassan’s book is a valuable resource. One key issue raised in the book is how the discontinuation of useful reform programs has harmed the Service, emphasizing the importance of continuity, reflection, and purposeful reform in building a strong and effective institution.

“One of the issues I raised in the book is how the discontinuation of useful reform programmes has harmed the Service,” Mr. Alhassan explained, highlighting the detrimental effects of inconsistent policies and the need for sustained commitment to long-term goals.

Looking ahead, Ghana aims to expand institutional support to enable broader participation, especially by women, in United Nations and regional peace operations. This will not only enhance Ghana’s peacekeeping profile in the global arena but also contribute to the development of a more diverse and inclusive Police Service.

Ultimately, Julius Debrah’s emphasis on crime prevention as the bedrock of modern policing, highlighted at the book launch of Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan’s memoir, signifies a crucial shift in Ghana’s approach to law enforcement. By prioritizing proactive strategies, investing in leadership and training, and building strong community partnerships, Ghana can create safer communities and enhance public trust. The lessons from Mr. Alhassan’s book serve as a reminder of the importance of continuity, reflection, and purposeful reform in building a strong and effective Police Service dedicated to crime prevention.