IGP Yohuno Decorates New Police Leadership as Ghana Implements Stricter Road and Currency Regulations

In a significant move to bolster national security and regional administration, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has decorated 22 newly promoted Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCOPs). The ceremony, held in Accra and endorsed by President John Mahama, elevated the officers from the rank of Assistant Commissioner. Notable among the promotees is the popular gospel musician ACP Kofi Sarpong. IGP Yohuno emphasized that these promotions are not merely celebratory but serve as a call for strategic leadership to address emerging security challenges, improve police service delivery, and restore public confidence in the service through professionalism and community engagement.

Simultaneously, the Ghanaian government has moved to enhance public order and road safety through the introduction of the revised Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519). The new legislative instrument significantly toughens penalties for individuals who preach or hawk goods inside moving commercial or public vehicles. While such activities have been prohibited since 2012, the updated law introduces stricter consequences, including fines ranging from GH₵120 to GH₵600 and potential imprisonment for up to eight months. Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has launched a nationwide sensitization campaign to educate the public on these changes, which aim to reduce distractions for drivers and improve overall road discipline.

Law enforcement efforts have also extended to the protection of the national currency and local community safety. A joint operation by the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Police Service led to the arrest of seven women in Accra for the improper use of Ghana cedi notes. The suspects are accused of defacing the currency by creating "money bouquets" and cakes, a practice the central bank warns is a violation of laws governing the integrity of the legal tender. Meanwhile, in Teshie, District Police Commander DSP Elvis Ntow Amanor has issued a cautionary warning to ride-hailing drivers, advising them to be vigilant when accepting late-night trips to areas such as Teshie Maami, which has been identified as a security hotspot.

These combined efforts reflect a broader national push toward institutional discipline and the enforcement of law and order across various sectors of Ghanaian life. While the police service focuses on leadership and specialized security warnings, the government is tackling public safety on transit and the sanctity of the national currency. Even as formal institutions tighten regulations, social media has captured the complexities of local life, such as a recent viral video of a galamsey worker using traditional means to confront personal disputes, highlighting the diverse cultural and social landscape the police continue to navigate while maintaining modern law and order.