Tuesday, 18 August

Citizen Eye commends Ghana’s security agencies for protecting National Peace, calls for better welfare for police officers

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Founder of Citizen Eye Ghana Alex Tetteh

Founder of Citizen Eye Ghana praises EOCO, Police Service, CID, National Security and Judiciary for strengthening Ghana’s security architecture. The Founder of Citizen Eye Ghana, Mr Alex Tetteh, has commended Ghana’s security and justice institutions for what he described as their increasing professionalism, responsiveness and commitment to protecting the peace and stability of the country.

Speaking during a press engagement, Mr Tetteh singled out the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana Police Service, Criminal Investigations Department (CID), National Security, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and the Judiciary for their contributions to maintaining law and order and strengthening public confidence in Ghana’s security architecture.

He said while security institutions must always be subjected to public scrutiny and accountability, their successes should equally be acknowledged and celebrated. “We are very quick as a country to criticise our security agencies when something goes wrong, and rightly so. But when these same institutions put their lives on the line, investigate crimes, recover stolen resources and prevent violence, we must also have the courage to commend them.”

Raymond Archer and EOCO’s Fight Against Economic Crime

Mr Tetteh placed particular emphasis on the work of Mr Raymond Archer of EOCO, whom he praised for what he described as a steadfast commitment to investigating and pursuing economic crimes without fear or favour.

According Mr. Tetteh, the work being undertaken by EOCO has become increasingly important in Ghana’s fight against corruption and the recovery of resources allegedly lost through financial wrongdoing. According to him, the progress of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative has been supported by the work of investigative institutions such as EOCO and other agencies involved in tracing, investigating and recovering public resources.

“Raymond Archer deserves commendation for his steadfastness. When you are dealing with economic crime, you are often dealing with people who have influence, connections and resources. It takes courage and professional independence to pursue such matters without being intimidated.”

Mr Tetteh stressed that the recovery of allegedly misappropriated state resources must not be reduced to political rhetoric but must be supported by credible investigations, evidence, prosecution and ultimately judicial determination. “ORAL must not just be about recovering money. It must also be about establishing a system where people understand that if you abuse public resources, there will be consequences irrespective of your position or connections.” He therefore encouraged EOCO and other investigative bodies to remain firm while respecting due process and the constitutional rights of suspects.

Ghana Police Service Deserves Commendation

The Citizen Eye Ghana founder also praised the Ghana Police Service, saying there has been a noticeable improvement in the efficiency and responsiveness of the Service. He pointed to recent police interventions in serious criminal incidents, including the swift response to a robbery-related incident at Labone, as evidence of the importance of intelligence-led and rapid-response policing. 

For Mr Tetteh, the ability of the Police to respond quickly to threats is critical to preventing criminals from gaining an advantage. “When criminals know that the Police are watching, responding and gathering intelligence, it changes the equation. The Police must not only respond to crime after it happens; they must increasingly prevent crime before it happens.”

He commended the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh-Yohuno, particularly for what he described as a more progressive approach to policing and police administration.

Mr Tetteh also praised the IGP for efforts to promote police officers based on merit and professional performance. “If an officer works hard, performs exceptionally and demonstrates professionalism, that officer must be recognised. Promotion based on merit motivates the entire Service because it tells officers that competence and dedication will be rewarded.” According to him, such an approach could contribute significantly to improving morale within the Police Service.

IGP Tetteh-Yohuno and Managing National Tensions

Mr Tetteh also commended IGP Yohuno the way the Police leadership has responded to situations capable of generating religious and social tension. He noted that the responsibility of the Police extends beyond fighting armed robbery and other conventional crimes. The Service must also protect the peace by engaging communities, religious leaders and other stakeholders before disagreements escalate into violence.

“The Police must be strong, but strength does not always mean force. Sometimes the strongest intervention is dialogue, engagement and the ability to calm a situation before it becomes a crisis.” He said the IGP’s engagements with religious and community stakeholders demonstrate the importance of preventive policing in maintaining Ghana’s peace. Mr Tetteh further commended the Ghana Police Service for increasingly providing the public with updates on crime, police operations and crime-prevention measures.

According to him, better communication can help reduce misinformation while encouraging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement. “A Police Service that communicates with the public builds confidence. Citizens need to know what is happening, what the Police are doing and how they can help prevent crime. Security is not the responsibility of the Police alone.”

Praise for CID and COP Lydia Donkor

Mr Tetteh also expressed appreciation to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and its leadership under COP Lydia Yaako Donkor. He said the CID remains one of the most important components of Ghana's criminal justice system because successful prosecution begins with professional investigation. “You cannot have successful prosecution without successful investigation. The CID is therefore at the heart of the criminal justice process, and the work being done to strengthen confidence in criminal investigations deserves recognition.”

According to him, COP Lydia Donkor’s leadership has helped project the CID as a professional institution capable of undertaking complex investigations. Mr Tetteh called for continued investment in forensic technology, cybercrime investigation, intelligence gathering and specialised investigative training.

Recognition for National Security and Charles Kipo

Mr Tetteh also recognised the contribution of the country's intelligence and national security institutions. He specifically mentioned Mr Charles Kipo, Director-General of the National Intelligence Bureau, praising the work of the intelligence community in identifying threats and supporting the broader security architecture.

He also acknowledged the contribution of COP Abdul-Osman Razak, noting that Ghana's national security system depends on the coordinated efforts of individuals and institutions working both publicly and behind the scenes. “Much of the best intelligence work is not something the public will ever see. If a threat is identified and stopped before it becomes a national crisis, the public may never know how much work went into preventing it. That is why we must recognise the intelligence community as well.” He called for stronger coordination between intelligence agencies, the Police, EOCO, CID and other institutions.

Chief Justice and the Need for Swift Justice

The Citizen Eye Ghana founder also praised the Chief Justice and the Judiciary for their role in ensuring that cases are determined efficiently while maintaining the principles of justice and due process. According to him, investigations and arrests alone cannot deliver justice.

“The Police can investigate and the prosecutor can prosecute, but at the end of the day, justice must be determined by the courts. We therefore need a Judiciary that is independent, efficient and capable of dealing with cases without unnecessary delays.” Mr Tetteh said swift justice should never mean rushed justice, stressing that the rights of accused persons must be protected while legitimate cases are determined within a reasonable period. According to Mr. Tetteh, the Judiciary's role is particularly important in corruption and financial crime cases, where prolonged litigation can undermine public confidence and delay the recovery of state resources.

Commendation for the Ghana Army and Its Leadership

Mr Tetteh also commended the Ghana Army and the wider Ghana Armed Forces for their professionalism, discipline and continued contribution to Ghana’s national security, territorial integrity and peacekeeping efforts. He praised the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of the Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, and particularly Chief Staff Officer at Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Lloyd Atror, for their leadership and commitment to maintaining operational readiness within the Armed Forces. He said Ghanaian soldiers continue to make significant sacrifices in protecting the nation and deserve the support and appreciation of the public. “We must recognise those who protect Ghana. Our soldiers carry the Ghana flag with honour, and the leadership of the Armed Forces deserves our commendation for maintaining the professionalism and discipline for which Ghana’s military is respected.”

Police Officers Must Be Protected

While praising the Ghana Police Service, Mr Tetteh called for significant improvements in the welfare of police personnel. He proposed the introduction of a comprehensive life and occupational insurance policy for Ghana Police Service personnel, particularly to protect officers who die or suffer permanent disabilities and serious physical injuries in the line of duty.

“We ask our police officers to protect us with their lives, but what happens to their families when they lose those lives? What happens to an officer who suffers a permanent disability while protecting the public? The state must have a system that protects these officers and their families.” Mr. Tetteh said, such an insurance scheme should provide meaningful compensation to officers or their families in cases of death, permanent disability and serious injuries sustained in the lawful execution of their duties. According to him, the proposal should be viewed as part of a broader effort to improve police welfare, morale and professionalism. “If we want our officers to give their best, we must also show them that the country will stand behind them when they make the ultimate sacrifice.”

A Call for Greater Public Support for Security Agencies

Mr Tetteh urged Ghanaians to recognise that national security is a shared responsibility. He said citizens have a role to play by providing credible information, cooperating with investigations and avoiding actions that could unnecessarily inflame religious, ethnic or political tensions.

He also called on government to provide security agencies with the technology, logistics and training required to meet emerging threats, particularly cybercrime, organised crime, terrorism, financial crime and sophisticated robbery. “We cannot expect a 21st-century security service to fight 21st-century criminals with 20th-century tools. Technology, intelligence and training must become central to our national security strategy.”

Commendation, but Not Without Accountability

Mr Tetteh emphasised that commending security agencies does not mean giving them a blank cheque. He said the Police, EOCO, National Security, CID, NIB and other security institutions must continue to operate within the law and remain accountable to the Ghanaian people. “We must be able to do two things at the same time: hold our security institutions accountable when they fail and praise them when they succeed. Those two positions are not contradictory. In fact, that is how strong democracies build strong institutions.”

According to him, Ghana's security architecture can only command lasting public confidence when citizens see professionalism, fairness, transparency and results.

Concluding his remarks, Mr Tetteh called for a renewed national commitment to supporting the men and women who protect Ghana. He said the work of EOCO, the Ghana Police Service, CID, National Security, NIB and the Judiciary demonstrates that the country's security architecture can deliver results when institutions are properly led and adequately supported. “We must protect those who protect Ghana. We must equip them, train them, reward professionalism and protect their families. At the same time, we must demand accountability because public trust is the foundation of national security.”

According to him, the country should therefore continue to strengthen its security institutions while ensuring that they remain independent, professional and committed to the Constitution. For Mr Tetteh, the ultimate objective should be a Ghana where citizens can go about their daily lives with confidence, businesses can operate without fear, public resources are protected and criminals understand that the law will pursue them regardless of their status. “The security of Ghana is bigger than any individual, political party or government. When our institutions succeed, Ghana succeeds. And when those who protect Ghana are protected and respected, the entire nation becomes stronger.”

 

Source: Classfmonline.com