President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s security services by ensuring the completion of essential projects and prioritizing officer welfare.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of new leaders for the Ghana National Fire Service, the Prisons Service, and the Ghana Immigration Service, the president emphasized the critical role these institutions play in safeguarding the country.
He stressed that security personnel are not just enforcers of the law but also protectors of human dignity and facilitators of justice.
“Leadership in our security services requires courage, discipline, respect for human rights, and a deep commitment to service. Those entrusted with this duty must ensure that our institutions not only enforce the law but also embody fairness, professionalism, and integrity,” Mahama stated.
He urged the appointees to build on past successes while implementing much-needed reforms to improve efficiency.
Addressing the new Acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, President Mahama highlighted the alarming rise in fire incidents, which have placed significant pressure on emergency response systems.
He revealed that Ghana recorded 6,436 fire outbreaks last year, resulting in loss of lives and properties.
He called on the Fire Service to focus on prevention through public education, enhance emergency response readiness, and enforce fire safety regulations without compromise.
“Your leadership must ensure effective fire audits and strict adherence to safety laws. You have my full assurance that this administration will provide every necessary resource to ensure the service is well-equipped to protect lives and properties,” he assured.
He reiterated that, as indicated in the 2025 budget, all essential projects within the security services would be completed, and officer welfare would remain a top priority.
Turning to the Ghana Prisons Service, President Mahama underscored the need for a shift in prison management, emphasizing that correctional facilities should serve as institutions of reform rather than mere centers of confinement.
He urged newly appointed Prisons Director-General Patience Baffoe-Bonnie to focus on rehabilitation programs, ensuring that inmates are given opportunities to reintegrate into society as reformed individuals. “True justice is not only about punishing wrongdoing but also about offering a path to redemption,” he noted.
The swearing-in of these new security heads follows the recent appointment of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Inspector General of Police, marking a significant reshuffle within Ghana’s security leadership.
These appointments are part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, discipline, and public confidence in the country’s security institutions.
