President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a new Governing Council for the Ghana Police Service, appointing Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as its Chairperson—marking the first time a woman has held the position. The swearing-in ceremony took place Tuesday at the Jubilee House in Accra, where President Mahama emphasized the Council’s critical role in restoring public confidence in the police through enhanced professionalism, accountability, and human rights protection.
The 11-member Council, formed in accordance with Article 201 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, is tasked with advising the President on matters of internal security and helping to direct the affairs of the Police Service. Its core mandate includes upholding discipline, ensuring ethical conduct, and fostering transparency within the law enforcement agency.
President Mahama challenged the Council to actively confront challenges such as police misconduct, corruption, and politically motivated interference. He also underscored the importance of community policing and intelligence-led operations in combating crime and maintaining public order. Vice President Opoku-Agyemang, a seasoned academic and public servant, pledged the Council’s commitment to supporting a modern, professional police force that respects civil liberties and responds effectively to the needs of all Ghanaians.
Her appointment has been widely lauded by gender advocates and civil society organizations as a significant milestone in promoting female leadership in national security governance. The new Council is expected to collaborate with the Ministry of the Interior, Parliament, and independent oversight bodies to institute reforms that strengthen police operations and accountability.
