The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned against politicising the Ghana Police Service, urging that appointments and promotions within the force be conducted properly, based on seniority and merit rather than political influence.
“Politicizing the police service is something we should be careful about,” the revered monarch said, adding that he often hears people lobbying for positions whenever a government changes, even when there is an incumbent Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
“I hear all of that. Let us do it properly. Let us stop, so whoever comes, seniority and qualified people would be able to take over,” he said during a visit to the Police Headquarters at the invitation of the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
The Asantehene noted that the Police Management Board plays a key role in ensuring that appointments are fair and based on qualifications, not political persuasion.
“Police Management Board can even recommend who is there to do it. Lobbying and using political persuasions to take positions wouldn’t help the police to be more independent,” he warned.
Speaking on his engagement with the current government, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said he has been assured that President John Mahama will not interfere in the process, which will allow qualified officers to take up positions based on due process.
“Having spoken to the current President, I am assured that he doesn’t want to interfere. It will go through the process, and whoever is qualified will go through the process,” he added.
By Noble Crosby Annan
