KAIPTC calls for President to be stripped of absolute powers to appoint Police Chiefs

The Kofi Annan Peace Keeping Training Centre is making a strong case for a review of processes in appointing security chiefs in Ghana specifically in the police service.

A research fellow with the Kofi Annan Peace Keeping and Training Centre, Dr Festus Aubyn made the submission speaking on the sidelines of a public lecture held by the Christian Service University College in Kumasi.

The suggestion comes in the back of a tacit admission from the police in Kumasi who complained they are restrained and demotivated in carrying out their duties dispassionately because of interference and threats by influential politicians.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Ultimate News’ Ivan Heathcote- Fumador, Dr Festus Aubyn indicated that the current arrangement that vests enormous powers in the president to appoint police chiefs erodes the trust in the police and hinders impassionate police operations.

“If you look at the constitution, the president has the sole prerogative to appoint the heads of these institutions with consultation of the council of state. What that means is that, these people are supposed to be loyal to the president. They don’t have to act against the interest of the executive because your position does not have any security of tenure and once you do that, you are out,”

Dr Aubyn rather suggested that the country adopts best practices that have proven successful in countries like Kenya and the United Kingdom to reinforce the integrity and effectiveness of the police.

He explained, “When you go to Kenya, the president appoints and then parliament which is the representative of the people will have to approve the person. The IGP also has a security of tenure so the president cannot just remove you from office unless he goes through a laborious laid down process:”

Giving the analogy of the United Kingdom, Dr Aubyn related to the system where the position of the Metropolitan Police is advertised for applicants to be shortlisted and vetted for the most appropriate candidate.

He warned that untill the review is done and the appointment of security chiefs is ceded to the independent structures of the country, Ghana will continue to see the police act with caution when the political stakes are high.