The move forms part of the government’s broader agenda to strengthen national security, modernise the country’s policing infrastructure and expand police visibility in hard-to-reach communities.

The vehicles were presented to the GPS at the Police Headquarters in Accra yesterday.

Operational necessities

President Mahama emphasised that security required consistency and action, not words alone, adding that the new vehicles were operational necessities that would enhance patrols, reduce response times and extend policing to hard-to-reach areas.

Some of the pickup trucks

He further highlighted that the vehicles were entrusted to the GPS for public service, not personal use.

He urged strict accountability and professionalism, warning that misuse or negligence would not be tolerated.

“These vehicles are instruments of service,not symbols of power. They must be properly deployed, professionally used, carefully maintained and fully accounted for,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of lawful policing, respect for human rights and community engagement, noting that security was essential not only for protecting lives but also for national development.

The President reaffirmed his government’s focus on ensuring safer communities, saying the vehicles would strengthen the service’s ability to respond to crime, organised criminal activity and other security challenges nationwide.

Major boost

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, welcomed the vehicles as a major boost to the operational capability of the Service and expressed deep gratitude to the President for his consistent support.

He highlighted the evolving nature of crime in the country, noting that criminal networks were increasingly mobile, sophisticated and intelligence-driven, requiring the police to be equally agile, proactive and responsive.

He gave an assurance that the new vehicles would be strategically deployed across all regions to areas of greatest need, with clearly defined operational and maintenance protocols.

“These pickup trucks will allow officers to patrol longer, respond faster and maintain a visible presence in communities that have historically been underserved due to logistical limitations,” the IGP said.

He added that the vehicles would complement previous government investments, including armoured vehicles, surveillance systems and enhanced communications infrastructure, which together had significantly strengthened the service’s operational reach.

The IGP stressed that community policing would be intensified, with patrols and intelligence-led operations extended to remote and high-risk areas to prevent crime before it occurred.

“Our objective is to ensure that every citizen feels protected, and that no criminal can operate with impunity,” he said.

Mr Yohuno also emphasised the importance of professionalism and accountability, reminding officers that the public had entrusted them with these resources.

The IGP further called on the public to actively partner with the GPS by sharing information and cooperating with officers on duty, adding that effective law enforcement was a shared responsibility.