President John Mahama has presented 40 armoured vehicles to the Ghana Police Service at the Police Headquarters to boost its operations.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony at the Police Headquarters in Accra on Thursday, December 4, President Mahama addressed the officers who will operate the newly procured fleet, reminding them of the value of the machines and the duty attached to their use.

“To the officers who will be operating these vehicles, I wish to address you directly. This equipment is expensive and hard to procure. So, you must use them judiciously and according to the rules.”

He stressed that the safety of police personnel must remain a priority. "Your safety is important. Always follow the safety instructions, wear seat belts when you are driving these vehicles so that you protect yourself,” he cautioned.

The President hailed the vehicles as essential instruments for the Police Service’s mandate to safeguard lives and property, while stressing that their impact relies on the discipline and integrity of the officers operating them.

“These machines are instruments of responsibility to the Police Service,” he said. “Use them professionally, lawfully and ethically. And let your conduct reflect the honour of your uniform and the trust the people of Ghana place in you.”

The President said the new tools were part of a wider effort to modernise policing.

"A police detachment that will be trained how to use drones for urban surveillance and information gathering in any theatres that you are involved in,” the President said.

He also disclosed that the Police Service would receive unpublicised covert operations vehicles. “You will also get 10 Covert operational vehicles that I have been cautioned not to talk about. It’s only you who will know you have them.”

The President added that every police district would also receive a pickup for regular patrol duties.

President Mahama said the drone team and covert fleet would support the newly-delivered armoured vehicles, which represent the first phase of a major retooling programme.

“These 40 vehicles are just the first batch of what you are receiving. By the end of this month, you’ll receive two tow trucks… and many more will follow,” he said.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak in his remarks said the Minister said the investment was meant to improve public safety and officer protection, not to give room for excesses.

“These resources and the trust reposed in you are not licences for intimidation or excesses. They are instruments of protection and not oppression.”

He reminded officers of the responsibility that comes with policing. “You are not to use your authority to abuse the various citizens you have sworn to protect. You are guardians of the Republic, not rulers of it. Professionalism, discipline, integrity and respect must define your service every single day.”

The Minister said the public expected fairness from the police and would judge them by their conduct.

“The citizens look up to you not only for safety but for fairness. They judge you and your leaders by your conduct on the ground. I urge you to let your actions reflect the pride of this uniform, the honour of your oath and the value that distinguishes the Ghana Police Service.”

He also warned criminal groups across the country, saying the government is now better equipped and fully prepared to confront all forms of crime.

The Minister said the state’s improved resources and intelligence capacity leave no room for lawbreakers to operate.

“Your time is up. The state is prepared. The police are prepared. The tools are ready. The intelligence is improving. And the public is increasingly vigilant.”

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno in his address expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, noting that the vehicles would significantly enhance police operations and improve the safety of personnel in the line of duty.

“I’m particularly delighted that today, we are receiving these armoured vehicles which are going to ensure utmost protection for our officers as they gallantly execute our mandate of protecting lives and property, and ensuring the safety and security of all persons across the country,” Mr Yohuno said.

He emphasised that the new fleet would “completely change the face and dynamics of police operations”, allowing the Service to embark on “very bold, robust and targeted operations” across all regions.