Stories and facts
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) serves as the cornerstone of law enforcement in Ghana, operating under the Ghanaian Ministry of the Interior.
With over 30,000 officers stationed across 651 locations, the GPS plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order in the country. The GPS is organized into twelve primary divisions, each focusing on different regions and aspects of Ghana.
Ten divisions correspond to the country's regions, with an additional division dedicated to the seaport and industrial hub of Tema. The twelfth division, the Railways, Ports, and Harbours Division, manages specific transportation and port-related issues. To address challenges from the offshore oil and gas industry, the GPS has also established the Marine Police Unit.
Leading the GPS is Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare. Each regional division is overseen by a Regional Commander, responsible for both operational and administrative functions. Operational tasks are coordinated with the Regional Operational Commander, while administrative duties are supported by the Deputy Regional Commander and the Regional Crime Officer.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, with assistance from the Director-General of Police Administration, supervises the activities of the regional commanders. The GPS's regional divisions are further subdivided to enhance flexibility and efficiency. This decentralization effort ensures that regional police forces can effectively address local issues with greater responsiveness and autonomy.
The GPS boasts specialized units across all regional divisions, including Arms and Ammunition, Audit Offices, Courts and Prosecution, Crime Offices, Domestic Violence and Victim Support, Finance Offices, Highway Patrol Unit, Mobile Force (in eight regions), Motor Traffic and Transport Unit, Police Training Schools (in five regions), Public Affairs Directorate, Rapid Deployment Force, Mounted Squadron, and Marine Police Unit. Established in April 2011, the Marine Police Unit (MPU) is tasked with policing operations related to Ghana's oil and gas industry and enforcing the Fisheries Act 2002 and Fisheries Regulations 2011.
Inaugurated on June 21, 2013, in Takoradi, the MPU operates two 9-meter patrol boats and four 6.3-meter rigid inflatable boats. On August 12, 2021, the GPS launched horse patrol operations under its Mounted Squadron Unit, providing patrol services in select parts of Accra.
This initiative aims to enhance visibility and mobility in policing efforts. The GPS also fosters community engagement through its women's soccer team, the Police Ladies Football Club, established in 2007. The club competes in the Ghana Women’s Premier League, showcasing the service's commitment to promoting women's sports and physical fitness.
The current Inspector General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, leads the GPS with a focus on modernizing and enhancing the efficiency of law enforcement in Ghana. The ranks within the GPS are structured as follows: Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General, Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Chief Superintendent, Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Chief Inspector, Inspector, Sergeant, Corporal, Lance Corporal, and Constable.
The Ghana Police Service remains a critical institution in ensuring the safety and security of the Ghanaian populace, continuously evolving to meet new challenges and maintain public trust.
4o
