The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohonu, has pledged to integrate indigenous knowledge and traditional governance systems into the operations of the Ghana Police Service.
Speaking during the historic visit paid by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Tuesday, January 6, the IGP acknowledged that the service had historically relied heavily on imported European policing models, affirming that the visit marks a renewed commitment to learning from Ghana’s rich cultural and traditional heritage to improve policing outcomes.
“The Ghana Police recognises that over time, we have relied excessively on imported European policing systems. This visit challenges us to return to our history, re-embrace indigenous knowledge systems, and strengthen community- and tradition-based policing,” IGP Tetteh Yohonu stated.
He assured that the service will integrate traditional customs and local governance into its training and orientation programs to keep the personnel informed on how to police certain communities across the country.
“This will allow the average police officer to understand the socio-cultural dynamics of the communities we serve and police effectively with more empathy, legitimacy, and respect,” he added.
The IGP emphasised that collaboration with traditional authorities will deepen cooperation between the police and communities across the country.
He indicated that this approach will not only enhance law enforcement effectiveness but also promote trust and mutual respect between the Ghana Police Service and the public.
