President Mahama inspecting parade
President John Dramani Mahama has issued a warning to citizens who find pleasure in attacking and shooting security officers, particularly police officers, in the line of duty, saying anyone found guilty will be dealt with ruthlessly.
He said this at the handing-over ceremony of 100 new police vehicles on Thursday, January 8, 2025, referencing the recent memorial service for fallen officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“Recently, we attended a memorial service for officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year – several shot by armed robbers or other criminals. This serves as notice: we’ll deal ruthlessly with anyone who harms, injures, or kills a police officer. We’ll hunt them down and neutralise them,” he said.
President Mahama further emphasised that his office will join forces with the police service and other security agencies who are victims of these attacks to sanction persons found culpable saying, “so this should serve as a notice to those criminal elements. If you shoot at the police officer, we will come after you.”
President Mahama further indicated that the donation of the 100 new police vehicles is a follow-up to the recent donation of 40 armoured vehicles in December 2025, a promise his government made to retool the service.
“Today, with the commissioning of these 100 pickup trucks, we’re delivering on that pledge. The Ghana Police Service is the most visible state security apparatus when danger arises in our communities, on our highways, or in our markets. It’s the Ghana Police Service that responds first. To demand results without providing logistics and tools would be irresponsible – and that’s why today is important,” president Mahama said.
President Mahama added that these 100 pickups are the first batch of several pickups that his government will be presenting to the police service, emphasising that, these are operational necessities to improve patrols.
“They will reduce response time, they will extend policing to hard-to-reach areas and strengthen police visibility nationwide in simple terms, they will get the police to get to where they are needed faster and safer,” he added.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christina Tetteh Yohuno, in response praised the government for its unwavering support to the Ghana Police Service, stating that under his administration, the police have moved from mere rhetoric to reality.
“Mr. President, for your unwavering support. History will recall that under your administration, the police have moved from mere rhetoric to reality,” she said.
Mr. Yohuno highlighted the significance of the vehicles, stating that they represent more than logistics, but reach, response, and reassurance to the people of Ghana.
He further added that the vehicles will enhance patrol capabilities, improve rapid response times, strengthen rural and highway policing, and deepen police presence in underserved communities.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke