Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, has emphasized the need for the Ghana Police Service to make crime prevention a central focus in modern policing. According to him, law enforcement must evolve from a reactionary model to one rooted in proactive strategies that involve community engagement, intelligence-driven operations, and enhanced visibility.
Speaking at the launch of a new book authored by former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan, Mr. Debrah stressed that rebuilding trust between the police and the public is essential. He highlighted the importance of developing early warning systems across local communities as part of a long-term approach to crime prevention.
The book, titled “An Aroma of Policing: A Life of Service in Law Enforcement and Global Peacekeeping”, spans 681 pages and comprises 36 chapters. It explores the personal and professional journey of Mr. Alhassan, detailing his rise through the ranks, contributions to community policing, and his leadership in reforming the Ghana Police Service.
Mr. Debrah praised the book for being more than just a biography, calling it a significant addition to the national conversation around policing, leadership, and institutional reform. He called on the Police Service to nurture leaders who not only possess operational competence but also exhibit mentorship, innovation, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
He also emphasized the urgent need for specialized training in key areas such as cybercrime, terrorism, crowd control, forensic science, and maritime security. According to him, revamping police training institutions is crucial for building a disciplined and capable force.
In addition, Mr. Debrah acknowledged that professional standards in the Police Service are closely linked to morale and welfare. He assured that the government remains committed to improving conditions of service, including housing and healthcare, to boost police performance and motivation.
He also highlighted plans to increase institutional support for greater inclusion of women in international and regional peacekeeping missions, aiming to elevate Ghana’s standing in global peace operations.
Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, also spoke at the event and described the book as a celebration of a career defined by innovation, dedication, and effective leadership. He credited Mr. Alhassan with restoring public confidence in the police and implementing impactful reforms during his tenure as IGP.
Mr. Yohuno encouraged academics and security experts to read the book to better understand effective policing and institutional development.
The author, Mr. Alhassan, shared that he felt a strong responsibility to document his experiences in retirement. His goal, he said, was to preserve institutional knowledge and share valuable lessons from his decades of service. He expressed concern over the abandonment of key reform initiatives, arguing that sustained progress in law enforcement depends on consistency, reflection, and meaningful reforms—not constant reinvention.
Source: Other News Agencies
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