The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (ACSIS), Dr. Paul Boateng, has urged security personnel across the country to uphold professionalism, respect the rights of citizens, and remember that they will eventually return to civilian life after retirement.
His remarks come in the wake of a viral video that has sparked widespread public discussion and prompted the Ashanti North Regional Police Command to investigate an alleged confrontation between a policewoman and a complainant at the Akomadan Afrancho Police Station.
In a statement issued on July 5, 2026, and signed by ASP Emmanuel Agbodzi, Staff Officer and Acting Public Relations Officer, the command confirmed that the officer involved had been identified and that investigations had commenced into the incident, which reportedly occurred on July 3.
According to the police, the investigation is aimed at establishing the full facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. The command assured the public that appropriate action would be taken based on the outcome and reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and accountability.
The widely circulated video appears to show a disagreement between the officer and a man who claimed he had visited the station to lodge a complaint but felt his case was not being taken seriously. During the exchange, the officer is seen objecting to being recorded and allegedly kicking the man’s phone before attempting to pick up an object from the ground. The confrontation was eventually interrupted by bystanders.
Reacting to the incident, Dr. Paul Boateng stressed that every security officer must appreciate that, unless death comes first, retirement will eventually return them to civilian life.
“They should therefore treat every member of the public with respect, dignity, and professionalism because one day they will no longer wear the uniform,” he said.
He also noted that citizens are not breaking the law by recording security officers performing their official duties in public, especially when they need evidence, provided such recordings do not interfere with or obstruct the officers in carrying out their responsibilities.
Dr. Boateng called on all security agencies to continue strengthening professionalism and public confidence through accountability, discipline, and respectful engagement with the people they are mandated to serve.
He further appealed to citizens, especially the youth, to respect security officers and the uniforms they wear, emphasizing that while officers must act professionally, the public also has a responsibility to treat them with dignity and respect.
