By Korsi DZOKOTO
John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 manifesto is a bold blueprint that promises transformative changes in the Ghana Police Service (GPS), addressing deep-rooted issues in human resources and welfare.
The manifesto focuses on ensuring that police personnel are adequately compensated, insulated from political interference, and equipped with modern infrastructure and technology.
This article evaluates these proposals and highlights how they will bring significant improvements to the lives of police personnel, enhance operational effectiveness, and restore public trust in the police force.
Harmonizing Salaries and Conditions of Service
The manifesto promises to harmonize and address disparities in salaries, remuneration, and conditions of service across all security agencies, including the Ghana Police Service. Currently, there are significant gaps in the compensation structure between different security agencies, which has long been a source of discontent for police personnel.
By harmonizing salaries, the manifesto seeks to ensure fairness and equity in the treatment of all security personnel.
For Ghana Police Service personnel, this will mean better financial stability and a more predictable salary structure. It will eliminate the discrepancies that cause frustration among officers, particularly when comparing their pay with that of other security agencies.
More importantly, this harmonization is not just about salary increments but includes improvements in allowances, housing benefits, and retirement packages. In the long run, these measures will boost morale and incentivize personnel to perform their duties with greater dedication, knowing they are being fairly compensated for their efforts.
Decentralizing the Security Architecture
Another critical aspect of the manifesto is the decentralization of the security architecture, which brings security management closer to the people.
Decentralization will empower regional and district police commands, enabling quicker and more effective responses to security challenges. Local police will have the autonomy to address community-specific issues, leading to better crime prevention and law enforcement.
For police personnel, decentralization will offer a more localized command structure, allowing officers to address crime and security concerns specific to their communities. This localized approach will enhance police-public relations, as officers will be more familiar with the areas they serve, thus fostering trust and cooperation with local residents.
Additionally, decentralization will ease the burden on overcentralized police operations, allowing for better coordination and faster responses to incidents, which will in turn improve police performance.
Medical Benefits and Compensation for Injuries or Death in the Line of Duty
The manifesto also promises a review and enforcement of the medical package for serving and retired personnel, including their families. This is a crucial step toward ensuring that police officers and their dependents have access to comprehensive healthcare.
Currently, many officers struggle to access quality healthcare services, especially those stationed in remote areas. By reviewing and enforcing medical benefits, the manifesto guarantees that police officers, whether active or retired, will receive the care they need.
Moreover, the review of compensation packages for personnel injured or killed in the line of duty is a welcome development. Police officers often risk their lives in the course of duty, and a robust compensation system will provide financial security for their families.
This initiative will create peace of mind for officers, knowing that their families will be taken care of if the worst happens. It will also enhance job satisfaction and loyalty within the police force.
Timely and Transparent Promotions Based on Merit
Promotions in the Ghana Police Service have long been marred by delays and allegations of favouritism and political interference. Mahama’s manifesto addresses this issue by promising to clear the backlog of promotions and ensuring that future promotions are based on merit and transparency.
This will bring much-needed reform to the promotion system, making it fairer and more objective.
Timely and transparent promotions will significantly improve the morale of police personnel, as officers will no longer feel sidelined due to political connections or nepotism.
This will also ensure that the most qualified and deserving officers are promoted to higher ranks, fostering a culture of meritocracy within the service. In turn, this will boost efficiency and professionalism in the police force, as officers will be motivated to work hard, knowing their efforts will be recognized and rewarded.
Reforming and Depoliticizing the Police Service
One of the most critical reforms in Mahama’s manifesto is the promise to insulate the Ghana Police Service from political interference. For years, the Ghana Police Service has been plagued by allegations of political influence in its operations and appointments. This has undermined the professionalism of the police force and eroded public trust in the institution.
By promising to depoliticize the police service, Mahama aims to restore discipline, professionalism, and loyalty to the state rather than to political actors. This reform will empower police officers to perform their duties without fear of political retribution or interference.
The manifesto also includes a comprehensive human resource audit, which will help identify gaps in service delivery and ensure that personnel are adequately trained and equipped for their roles.
Police Education and Women’s Representation
The manifesto places a strong emphasis on improving police education and increasing women’s representation in the service.
Revamping the Police Public Order Management School in Pwalugu and introducing a transparent Police Education and Scholarship Scheme will ensure that police officers are equipped with modern skills and knowledge to tackle contemporary security challenges.
These initiatives will also provide opportunities for officers to further their education and advance in their careers.
Moreover, increasing women’s representation in the police service is a crucial step toward creating a more inclusive and diverse force. Currently, women are underrepresented in the police service, and this limits the perspectives and approaches that the service can bring to bear in solving security issues.
By increasing the number of women in the service, Mahama’s manifesto promises a more balanced and effective police force that reflects the diversity of Ghanaian society.
Infrastructure and Technological Advancements
Improving police infrastructure and leveraging technology are key aspects of Mahama’s manifesto. The promise to embark on an Emergency Redevelopment Project for regional and district offices will significantly improve the working conditions of police personnel, many of whom work in dilapidated and overcrowded facilities.
Building modern offices and accommodations, especially in newly created regions, will provide police officers with the resources they need to perform their duties effectively.
Additionally, the manifesto highlights the importance of introducing state-of-the-art technology for police operations. The use of modern technology in policing, such as surveillance systems, digital crime databases, and communication tools, will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of police operations. For personnel, this means less manual work, better access to information, and improved coordination in responding to incidents.
Revamping DOVVSU and Expanding Peacekeeping Involvement
Mahama’s manifesto also prioritizes the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) by promising to create a directorate for DOVVSU led by a Director-General and completing the DOVVSU Headquarters.
This will enhance the unit’s capacity to address issues of domestic violence and protect vulnerable populations. For police personnel, especially those working in DOVVSU, these reforms will provide better resources and infrastructure to carry out their duties effectively.
Furthermore, expanding Ghana’s involvement in UN and AU peacekeeping operations and streamlining the disbursement of funds will provide more opportunities for police personnel to gain international experience and improve their skills.
Peacekeeping missions also come with financial benefits, and the increase in security allowances for personnel engaged in these operations will further incentivize their participation.
Conclusion
John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 manifesto offers a comprehensive and forward-thinking plan to reform and improve the Ghana Police Service. By addressing disparities in salaries, decentralizing operations, enhancing medical and compensation packages, and ensuring timely promotions, the manifesto promises to significantly improve the welfare and working conditions of police personnel.
These reforms, coupled with investments in infrastructure, education, and technology, will empower the Ghana Police Service to become more effective, professional, and trusted by the public. If implemented, these policies will not only improve the lives of police officers but also enhance the overall security and safety of the nation.
