The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has stressed the urgent need for the Ghana Police Service to adopt modern and innovative investigative approaches in response to evolving and increasingly sophisticated crime trends.
Speaking on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the opening of a two-day Regional Crime Officers’ Conference, the IGP said effective policing in the 21st century demands professionalism, advanced investigative techniques, and continuous capacity building to stay ahead of criminals and restore public confidence in the Service.
The conference, held with the support of members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), brought together Crime Officers from all 25 Police Regions, alongside Directors of selected units from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters.
It is aimed at strengthening the investigative capacity of crime officers nationwide and reaffirming their central role in criminal justice delivery.
Mr. Yohuno noted that recent crime statistics present a worrying picture, pointing to a decline in the quality and success rate of investigations. He described the situation as unacceptable and called on all Crime Officers to take collective responsibility for reversing the trend.
“As Crime Officers, you are at the forefront of this battle. Your role is pivotal to our success. Excellence in investigation is not optional; it is our core mandate,” the IGP stated.
He emphasized that Crime Officers must take responsibility for the quality of investigations conducted under their authority, insisting on effective supervision, performance monitoring, and the prompt reporting of misconduct or poor performance for appropriate action.
The IGP further urged officers to strengthen collaboration with other police units, state institutions, and relevant stakeholders, noting that intelligence sharing, best practices, and pooled resources are critical in tackling complex crimes and improving prosecution outcomes.
Acknowledging the challenges confronting investigators, including high caseloads, limited logistics, inadequate technical support, and the rapid evolution of technology-driven crimes, Mr. Yohuno said leadership within the Service must confront these issues head-on through modernization.
He encouraged regional commanders and crime officers to seek support for regular internal training in key areas such as forensic investigations, cybercrime, financial crimes, intelligence analysis, and modern policing methods, to ensure investigators remain relevant and effective.
The IGP also stressed the importance of professionalism, ethics, and integrity, saying these values are essential for rebuilding public trust in the Police Service.
He reminded officers of the need to ensure timely case management, proper documentation, and the prompt submission of reports to the appropriate authorities.
“We must hold ourselves and others accountable for our actions. Transparency and accountability must define our work if we are to demonstrate our commitment to excellence,” he added.
In her welcome address, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department, COP/Ms. Lydia Yaako Donkor, urged participants to actively engage in the conference discussions, stressing that successful criminal prosecution is largely dependent on thorough, professional, and credible investigations.
She noted that the conference provides a critical platform for experience sharing, skills enhancement, and strategic reflection on how to improve investigative outcomes across the country.
The two-day conference is expected to focus on modern investigative techniques, leadership in crime management, inter-agency collaboration, and strategies to improve the overall quality of criminal investigations within the Ghana Police Service.
