Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has cautioned citizens against attacks on security personnel and called for an immediate end to such unlawful behaviour. 

He also urged security officers to discharge their duties with professionalism and in accordance with the oath they swore to protect citizens. 

The Minister gave the caution on Thursday during the official commissioning and handing over of 40 special-purpose armoured vehicles, comprising 15 armoured pick-ups, 20 COBRA-3s and five COBRA-4 high-grade armoured vehicles, to the Ghana Police Service. 

President John Dramani Mahama handed over the vehicles at a ceremony at the Police Headquarters, attended by high-level dignitaries. 

The Minister said any assault on a police officer was “an attack on the very heart of the state”, adding that such conduct would be met with a firm and decisive response under Ghana’s laws. 

However, he noted that the relationship between the public and the security services should be reciprocal, urging professionalism, discipline, integrity and respect during policing at all times. 

Mr Muntaka described the new fleet as “a practical demonstration of the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Republic.” 

He assured the President of the Interior Ministry’s alignment with efforts to build a modern, intelligence-driven and well-equipped internal security architecture. 

The Minister said his outfit was also pursuing comprehensive reforms, including modernising training, strengthening supervision, improving welfare, expanding accommodation and deploying advanced technology across security agencies. 

He said the vehicles would be strategically deployed across the country based on intelligence and operational demand, and integrated into highway patrols, high-crime zones, rapid response units and special operations. 

The Minister issued a warning to criminal networks, saying: “Your time is up. The police are prepared. The tools are ready. The intelligence is improving. We will find you, we will stop you and you will face the full force of the law. Ghana is a peaceful nation, but we are not a defenceless one.” 

He urged communities to support law enforcement efforts by sharing timely information, reporting suspicious activities and participating in community-policing initiatives. 

Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Inspector-General of Police, said the Police Service had, in recent years, witnessed a rise in the risks officers faced daily, adding that the new vehicles were essential for confronting criminal threats and protecting officers. 

The IGP recalled President Mahama’s earlier announcement of a GH₵1 billion investment to retool the security services, saying the government had “walked its talk” by fulfilling the promise to provide armoured vehicles for police patrols. 

He said the vehicles would significantly enhance officer safety, operational efficiency and overall national security. 

Mr Yohuno highlighted key breakthroughs in policing, including arrests linked to rural bank robberies, the Mpasatia Radiance filling station robbery, MoMo vendor attacks, the Wa and Bole serial murders, vehicle theft syndicates and fake online food-delivery scams. 

He said many of those operations required officers to enter dangerous environments where criminals often fired at police, resulting in casualties. 

Some officers sustained severe injuries, while others had died in the line of duty. 

He noted that the vehicles would completely change the face and dynamics of police operations, enabling the launch of more robust and targeted nationwide operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks. 

“To those disturbing the peace of this country, we are coming for you. You can run and hide, but we will surely get you,” he warned. 

The IGP expressed deep gratitude to the President and government for prioritising police welfare and pledged that the vehicles would be well-maintained and strategically deployed. 

He urged officers across all 25 police regions to sustain their momentum and remain committed to protecting lives and ensuring national security. 

Mr Yohuno assured the public of continued safety during the Christmas season, noting that comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place before, during and after the festivities to ensure public safety.