A high-level delegation from the Government of Sierra Leone is currently visiting Ghana to study its successful transition from a Police Force to a Police Service.
Led by Major General (Rtd.) David Taluva, Minister of Internal Affairs, and Fredrick Ampiah, UNDP Sierra Leone’s Resident Representative, the visit is part of a strategic effort to transform Sierra Leone’s Police Force.
The exchange is facilitated by UNDP Sierra Leone’s Inclusive Democratic Governance Portfolio.
The delegation’s goal is to understand Ghana’s approach to police reform, focusing on how the Ministry of the Interior and its agencies work together to uphold law and order and build public trust.
During their visit, they met with Ghana’s Minister of the Interior, Henry Quartey, and the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
Major General Taluva emphasized the need for police reforms to stabilize Sierra Leone, attract investment, and improve the economy.
He praised Ghana’s security forces for their continuous training support and the successful shift to a service-oriented police model.
Henry Quartey reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to collaborate with Sierra Leone, sharing experiences to strengthen bilateral relations and regional security.
The delegation also engaged with Ghana’s Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and the Police Management Board.
Sierra Leone’s Inspector-General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, expressed appreciation for the insights gained, which will guide their own reform process.
Fredrick Ampiah highlighted the UNDP’s role in supporting Sierra Leone’s police reform and noted that this learning visit is inspired by a similar initiative 20 years ago in Ghana, which helped its Police Force transition effectively.
The visit included a Guard of Honour Parade at the Ghana National Police Headquarters and further discussions on justice and security sector reforms.
The Sierra Leonean team, including the Deputy Minister for Justice and senior police officials, is committed to applying these lessons to their ongoing reforms.
