IGP and POMAB Delegation Visit Oti Region to Assess Security Needs
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, accompanied by members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), paid a formal courtesy call on the Oti Regional Minister, Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong, on July 18, 2026. The meeting, held at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council in Dambai, served as a platform to assess regional security challenges and foster stronger collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and local stakeholders. This visit is part of a broader nationwide working tour by the Police Administration intended to engage regional authorities, evaluate operational requirements, and develop strategies to improve security service delivery across Ghana.
Regional Minister Highlights Security Demands
During the engagement, Mr. Gyapong commended the Ghana Police Service for its professionalism and dedication to maintaining peace. He specifically acknowledged the efforts of police personnel in combating armed robbery, violent crimes, and other criminal activities, noting that these actions have been vital in preserving law and order within the region’s communities. Despite these successes, Mr. Gyapong highlighted significant operational constraints. He pointed to the vast geographical nature of the Oti Region and the presence of numerous border communities as factors that necessitate an increased security presence. To address these vulnerabilities, the Regional Minister made a formal appeal to the Police Administration for: * The deployment of additional police personnel to bolster coverage in remote and hard-to-reach areas. * The provision of additional operational vehicles and motorcycles to improve patrol capabilities. * The supply of communication equipment to enhance emergency response times. Mr. Gyapong emphasized that these resources are essential to strengthening the Service’s capacity to respond to emerging threats and ensuring a peaceful environment conducive to regional development.
Police Administration’s Strategic Response
In response to the requests, IGP Yohuno acknowledged the critical support the Police Service continues to receive from the Regional Coordinating Council. He assured Mr. Gyapong that the concerns regarding personnel and logistics would be prioritized by the Police Administration as part of ongoing efforts to bolster security operations nationwide.
The IGP reiterated that the Ghana Police Service maintains a strong operational presence in the Oti Region. He outlined the following commitments to ensure the safety of residents:
* Intelligence-led Operations: The Service will intensify its use of intelligence to anticipate and prevent criminal activity.
* Visibility Policing: Increasing the physical presence of officers to deter crime.
* Community Engagement: Deepening partnerships with traditional authorities, local government officials, and the public.
The Police Administration would continue to deepen partnerships with traditional authorities, local government authorities and other stakeholders,
the IGP noted, emphasizing that effective policing relies on a collaborative effort between security agencies and the citizenry.
Community Role in Public Safety
A central theme of the discussions was the importance of public participation in maintaining law and order. IGP Yohuno called upon the residents of the Oti Region to actively support the police by volunteering credible information regarding criminal activities. According to the IGP, community cooperation is essential for preventing crime and building a secure society. By sharing information, residents can assist the police in apprehending offenders and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. The Regional Coordinating Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting these efforts, pledging to work alongside the Police Service and other security agencies to safeguard lives and property throughout the region.
