Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, has praised the Ghana Police Service for its “professional handling” of the recent Democracy Hub demonstration.
He commended the Police for their approach, which he attributed to the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
In a Facebook post, Mr Braimah described the Police’s conduct as “refreshing” and a significant step toward upholding Ghana’s constitutional right to freedom of expression.
He noted that the calm manner in which the police dealt with the protest was a positive indication of progress in safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Mr Braimah further highlighted the shift in the police force’s approach, observing that under the leadership of Dr. Dampare, the service has moved away from its historical reliance on brute force to maintain law and order during protests.
He emphasised that the police’s tolerance during the demonstration was a sign of an evolving institution.
He concluded by stating that the Dampare-led Police Service has helped enhance the country’s democratic image, positioning Ghana as a model for responsible law enforcement in the face of civil protests.
“In the midst of our darkness from the dearth of good leadership and the resultant hopelessness, we see a bright light and hope from the Ghana Police Service. In the Ghana police of today, we don’t only see good leadership. We feel the evidence of good leadership.”
“The Ghana Police Service, we had always known, was quick to show demonstrators where power lies. It was the kind of police that will deploy brute physical force, tear-gas, water cannons and bullets and all they have against demonstrators, and still call that ‘use of minimum force.’ The consequences had always been bleeding faces, broken limbs, lost eyes, etc.”
“What we now see is a very civil, decorous police, that is gentle yet forceful enough to ensure the enforcement of law and order. What we see in the Ghana Police Service of today are clear manifestations of what good leadership does. It is the same police men and women. It is the same Ghana police service. What has changed is leadership.
May we have great leaders for all our institutions and country. Kudos to you, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, for your leadership. Keep it up.”