Police professionalism : to what extent can recruitment and training practices impact on police professionalism in Ghana?

This study examines police professionalism in Ghana by focusing on how the enforcement of stringent recruitment and training standards as well as compliance with policy and procedures could enhance the effectiveness of police officers. To achieve the research objectives, a total of sixty-five (65) serving officers were randomly selected from five different units of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) and interviewed for the study. A number of published studies reviewed indicate that professionalism could be better achieved through the institution and use of processes, procedures and rigid standards. However, the present study finds that the extent to which the GPS abides by established tenets of police professionalism remains to be seen. It also emerged that the existence and use of police recruitment policy and training standards is unclear within the GPS. Similarly, the existence of continuous capacity building programmes for officers seems equally challenging. Although the GPS includes a formidable Human Resource Development (HRD) component in its organisational structure, that department lacks the capacity to develop and implement appropriate training standards. This has resulted in weak implementation of capacity building initiatives and a general inability on the part of the GPS to create solid career development paths for police officers in Ghana. However, it is obvious that a better-trained police force will be more effective and responsive to the people in a democracy. Transforming police culture in Ghana requires the introduction of a new recruitment and training regime, coupled with a reformation of the entire organisation. The findings of this study strongly demonstrate the need for a complete overhaul of police culture, leadership and capacities in order to achieve police professionalism in Ghana. Consequently, the commitment of the GPS to implement existing standing orders; to administer stricter criteria for recruitment and training; and, to pursue continuous capacity building initiatives for serving officers is paramount in attaining police professionalism in Ghana.