Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to bridging the communication gap between law enforcement and the media.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day workshop for Regional and Unit Public Affairs Officers at the Detective Training Academy (DTA) in Accra on Thursday, March 20, 2025, he emphasized the importance of effective police-media engagement.

The workshop, which brings together Public Affairs Officers from across the country, aims to enhance their communication skills, promote ethical media engagement, and strengthen public confidence in the police.

In his address, the IGP noted that policing goes beyond enforcement—it is a duty that requires accountability, transparency, and trust.

He stressed that public trust in the police is built through credible, open, and consistent engagement with the media.

“As Public Affairs Officers, your role in shaping public perception through effective communication cannot be overemphasized.

The public must trust the police, and that trust is built through transparent and responsible interactions with the media,” he stated.

He highlighted the Ghana Police Service’s ongoing efforts to revitalize and strengthen its Regional Public Affairs Offices to improve communication with both the media and the public.

The IGP outlined three key pillars that Public Affairs Officers must uphold in their engagement with the media:

Confidentiality and Transparency – Officers must safeguard sensitive information while maintaining openness with the public. Integrity and Credibility – All media interactions must adhere to the highest ethical standards. Consistency in Messaging – Police communication across all regions must be uniform, clear, and aligned with Service Instructions No. 7 (S.I. 7), which guides media interactions.

Recognizing the increasing threat of misinformation, Mr. Yohuno urged Public Affairs Officers to be proactive in countering false narratives, particularly in the digital space.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring accurate information reaches the public to prevent the spread of misinformation that could erode trust in the police.

He reassured officers of the Police Administration’s full support in their efforts to improve police-community relations and urged them to take advantage of the workshop to refine their communication strategies.

“There is no greater fulfilment than serving your country with dedication and integrity. Your role in strengthening the bond between the police and the communities we serve is irreplaceable,” he affirmed.

 

The workshop is expected to equip officers with advanced communication techniques and practical solutions to enhance police-media relations, ensuring that the Ghana Police Service remains accountable, transparent, and responsive to public concerns.