The Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare says the Police Service does not take media freedom and protection of journalists for granted. 

According to the IGP, the leadership of the Police Service has put in place stringent internal disciplinary mechanisms to ensure that Police officers do not even consider the abuse of media practitioners. 

Speaking at a dialogue on media safety organised by the Joy FM in Accra on Thursday, August 209,2024, the IGP said as a member of the fraternity himself, the safety of journalists is a priority to him. 

“We don’t take the protection of journalists and media freedom for granted. And that’s why we have strengthened our internal disciplinary procedure such that if a police officer falls foul of the expectation you will be punished to serve as a deterrent to others,” the IGP said. 

He also reiterated the nexus between the Police and the media. 

“ We are all in the service of the people and nobody is taking anybody’s place. So we are not in competition but we have a common goal and that common goal is to serve the people,” he said.

The IGP stressed the humanity shared by both the police and the media means that mistakes can occur, but it is important to own up to these mistakes and apologize when necessary.