The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned officers of the Ghana Police Service against the use of force, extortion, and negligence in the discharge of their duties
He warned that such conduct undermines public safety and erodes confidence in law enforcement.
According to the Asantehene, the responsibility of the police goes beyond enforcing the law and must focus on education, restraint, and the creation of a peaceful environment for citizens.
“Your duty is not to beat people. Your duty is to make sure that you educate and create a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made the remarks during his maiden visit to the Inspector-General of Police at the Police Headquarters in Accra on January 6, where he called for stronger discipline, accountability, and a renewed commitment to professional and humane policing.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II admitted that challenges persist within the Service, acknowledging that the actions of some officers continue to damage the image of the police.
“I know that there are problems with your personnel we have to address. There are some personnel in the police who give the police a bad image, and we have to work to address that,” he noted.
He singled out corruption on the roads as a major concern, condemning the practice where officers accept money from motorists instead of enforcing safety regulations.
“You don’t go to stop cars and take money when you have to check insurance and tyres and if the car is fit to be driven on the road or not,” the Asantehene stated.
He warned that allowing unroadworthy vehicles to remain on the roads in exchange for bribes could lead to fatal consequences, stressing that such actions directly endanger lives.
“If you take money and leave the wretched car to go and it creates an accident and it kills people, what have you done?” he cautioned.
The Asantehene rejected excuses often offered to justify misconduct, insisting that salary levels or working conditions cannot excuse actions that put the public at risk.
“It doesn’t matter your salary or wages,” he added.
Source: 3news.com
