Asantehene Questions Police Integrity as Public Confidence in Law Enforcement Wavers
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Signals Deep Concerns Over Political Influence in Ghana Police Service
Asantehene’s Warning to IGP Yohuno Sparks Fresh Debate on Discipline and Accountability in the Police Service
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has delivered a firm and timely message to the leadership of the Ghana Police Service, urging Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno to confront issues of integrity within the Service and rebuild public confidence in law enforcement.
The call was made during a high-level engagement between the revered traditional ruler and the Police Administration, an interaction that has since drawn significant public attention following the circulation of a video of Otumfuo’s remarks on social media. In his address, the Asantehene spoke candidly about growing public concerns regarding police conduct, professionalism, and neutrality, stressing that the credibility of the Service is inseparable from the integrity of its officers.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasised that the Ghana Police Service occupies a critical position in the country’s democratic and social architecture. According to him, any perception of corruption, abuse of power, or partisan alignment undermines not only public trust but also national stability. He noted that while many officers continue to serve diligently and make sacrifices under difficult conditions, the actions of a few undermine the reputation of the entire institution.
A major concern raised by the Asantehene was the issue of police integrity in day-to-day operations. He urged the IGP to strengthen internal discipline, enforce ethical standards without fear or favour, and ensure that officers who misconduct themselves are decisively dealt with. Otumfuo stressed that discipline must be visible and consistent to send a clear signal that wrongdoing within the Service will not be tolerated.
The Asantehene also underscored the importance of political neutrality in policing. He cautioned that the Police Service must be seen to serve the state and the people, not political parties or individual interests. According to him, public confidence erodes when citizens believe law enforcement decisions are influenced by politics rather than the rule of law. He therefore encouraged the IGP to take deliberate steps to insulate the Service from partisan pressures, especially in a politically charged environment.
Beyond criticism, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II offered guidance on leadership and legacy. He reminded the IGP that his tenure would ultimately be judged by the values he upholds and the systems he strengthens. Leadership anchored in fairness, integrity, and accountability, he said, would outlive any individual term of office and leave a lasting positive imprint on the institution.
The Asantehene further called for improved collaboration between the Police Service and traditional authorities, noting that chiefs and community leaders play a vital role in local security, conflict resolution, and intelligence gathering. Strengthening this relationship, he argued, would enhance community policing and help the police better understand and respond to grassroots concerns.
In response, IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno reportedly welcomed the counsel of the Asantehene and acknowledged the challenges confronting the Service. He reaffirmed his commitment to professionalism, discipline, and reforms aimed at improving public trust. The IGP also highlighted the importance of community engagement and pledged to work with traditional leaders and other stakeholders to promote peace and security across the country.
The interaction between the Asantehene and the IGP has been widely interpreted as a strong moral intervention at a time when public scrutiny of law enforcement is intensifying. Many observers see Otumfuo’s remarks as a reflection of broader societal expectations for a police service that is fair, accountable, and firmly grounded in ethical conduct.
As discussions around police reform and accountability continue, the Asantehene’s message stands as a clear reminder that restoring integrity within the Ghana Police Service is not optional but essential for sustaining public trust and safeguarding the nation’s democratic values.
0 Comments