Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has firmly defended the current centralized communication strategy adopted by the police, dismissing appeals for its reversal.
The centralized approach has faced criticism from various stakeholders in the media, who argue that it hinders the timely and effective dissemination of information.
During his address at JoyNews’ event focused on media protection and freedom on August 30, Dr. Dampare emphasized that the Police Service’s communication practices are fully compliant with the law. He acknowledged the concerns raised but reiterated that the centralized system is not in violation of any legal provisions.
“At least no one has said the police has breached any law. We are within the law in all our actions,” Dr. Dampare stated. He further noted the importance of addressing the issue in a constructive manner, saying, “All these concerns are appeals, and with appeals, how they are made is how we receive them.”
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has been vocal in its opposition to the centralized communication mechanism. In a 2022 statement signed by its President, Albert Dwumfour, the GJA urged the Police Administration to reconsider its stance, citing potential risks such as speculation, misinformation, and disinformation.
Dwumfour reiterated these concerns at the event, expressing disappointment that despite previous assurances, the Police have not revisited their decision.
“We raised the issue again and received assurances that the matter would be considered. To date, we have received no positive response. We are once again urging the Ghana Police to decentralize information, thereby facilitating easier access to it,” Dwumfour asserted.
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure also weighed in on the matter, warning that the slow dissemination of information under the centralized system could lead to the spread of fake news.
“If we have to go to the Police headquarters to get that information, the fake news would spread, and by the time the national headquarters comes out with the truth, nobody may really remember what happened,” Azure cautioned.
Addressing earlier discussions on the subject, Dr. Dampare explained that the previous decentralized communication approach had become problematic for the service. He highlighted issues such as the release of incomplete or inaccurate information, which, in his view, was damaging the service’s reputation and creating public disaffection.
The decision to centralize communication was therefore taken after extensive consultations with regional commanders and Public Relations officers across the service.