"Every officer has a role in restoring police pride and professionalism" – IGP (Rtd.) Mohammed Alhassan

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed A. Alhassan (Rtd.), has called on personnel of the Ghana Police Service to recommit themselves to professionalism, discipline, and public trust in the face of growing challenges in law enforcement.

Speaking at the launch of his memoir titled “A Life of Service in Law Enforcement and Global Peacekeeping”, the retired IGP emphasized that the responsibility of rebuilding the Police Service's image rests on every officer, regardless of rank.

“Every officer — whether a Constable, Sergeant, or Senior Commander — has a role to play in restoring the pride and professionalism of the Ghana Police Service,” Mr. Alhassan stated, drawing applause from the audience.

His memoir traces his remarkable journey from growing up as a "Police Barracks Boy" to becoming Ghana's top police officer and a key figure in international peacekeeping missions. The book serves not only as a personal account but also as a leadership guide and institutional blueprint.

Mr. Alhassan lamented the discontinuation of critical reform initiatives within the Service, which he believes has slowed progress in professionalism and accountability.

He urged officers to view the police uniform not as a symbol of authority, but as a badge of service, integrity, and justice.

The event also featured remarks from former Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, who described the memoir as “a call to national action”.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening peacekeeping capacities, including the formation of an all-female Formed Police Unit.

Current IGP Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who served under Mr. Alhassan’s leadership as Accra Regional Commander, praised his predecessor’s vision and reforms, including the establishment of key training institutions like the Police Command and Staff College.

Mr. Alhassan’s memoir is already being hailed as a must-read for security professionals, policy makers, and young officers committed to restoring public confidence in law enforcement.

Taking his turn, Togbuiga Sri III, Awoamefia of Anlo and retired Commissioner of Police, described the launch of An Aroma of Policing, the memoir of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed A. Alhassan, as a landmark moment in Ghana’s law enforcement history.

The revered traditional leader and seasoned police veteran said the memoir represents not just a personal account but a national legacy.

“It is a distinct honour and privilege to chair this historic event,” he began.

"For the first time in our nation’s history, a former IGP has taken the bold step to document and share his lived experiences — from barracks life to international service and the apex of policing in Ghana. This is indeed a novelty worth celebrating.”

Togbuiga Sri III offered a personal reflection on his decades-long association with Mr. Alhassan, recalling his early days as a National Service personnel at the Police Depot.

“Even then, there was a spark,” he noted.

“One could sense his dedication, discipline, and promise. I have had the privilege of mentoring him at critical stages and witnessing his steady rise with pride.”

Describing the book as more than just a memoir, Togbuiga Sri III called it a “legacy project” — one that serves as a valuable resource for future generations of police officers, policymakers, and citizens seeking insight into the evolution of policing in Ghana.

He urged all attendees to treat the event not merely as a book launch but as a moment of national reflection.

“Let us be inspired. Let us support this work not just to honour the author, but to encourage others in documenting and contributing to our collective development.”

The launch attracted high-profile dignitaries from the security sector, diplomatic corps, traditional leadership, and academia. Many hailed the memoir as a timely and necessary contribution to Ghana’s security discourse.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith