Africa-Press – Ghana. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, Tuesday paid a historic visit to the Ghana Police Service Headquarters in Accra, urging personnel to remain politically neutral in the discharge of their duties.
Political neutrality, he said, would not compromise the integrity of the Service but rather strengthen public trust, stressing that officers must remain loyal to the Government of the day and not to political parties.
The maiden visit was aimed at strengthening peace and national security through collaboration between the Police Service and traditional authorities.
An all-female guard of honour was mounted to receive the Asantehene.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu noted that traditional leaders played a critical role in maintaining peace and security, describing the visit as a partnership effort since national protection was a shared responsibility.
“One institution draws authority from ancestral memory, while the other derives its mandate from the Constitution. Yet both exist for a sacred task: preserving order, dignity and peace in society,” he said.
The Asantehene commended the Service for its sacrifices, from the lowest-ranked officers to top leadership, particularly for ensuring safety during the Christmas festivities.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the gallant men and women,” he said. “Thank you for your faithful service, selfless sacrifices and for standing guard while we sleep.”
He underscored the relevance of traditional mechanisms in maintaining law and order, observing that custom was the first law and tradition the first constitution.
Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), said the Service recognised the vital role of traditional leaders in promoting peace and national security.
“We view this visit as collaboration with traditional authorities, as the protection of the country is a shared concern,” he said.
IGP Yohuno described the visit as symbolic, unprecedented and one that would remain an institutional memory of the Service.
The visit was graced by traditional leaders led by King Professor Odaifio Welentsi, Nungua Mantse, as well as retired Inspectors-General of Police.
These comprised Mr Patrick Acheampong, Mr James Oppong Boanuh, Mr John Kudalor, Nana Owusu Nsiah, Mr David Asante Apeatu, and Mr Ernest Owusu Poku.
Also present were retired senior officers, including Commissioner of Police (COP) Rose Bio Atinga and COP Nathan Kofi Boakye, Regional Police Commanders, and COP Maame Yaa Tiwaah Addo-Danquah, Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Defence.
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