Residents and community leaders in the Western North Region have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to urgently transfer police officers who have overstayed in their posts, citing alleged unprofessional conduct and declining standards of law enforcement.
The concerns are particularly pronounced in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, where some officers are reported to have remained at the same duty stations for over a decade. While acknowledging their experience, residents argue that such prolonged postings have led to complacency, weakened accountability, and poor service delivery.
According to community members, the long stay of some officers has resulted in over-familiarity with local actors, including individuals suspected of engaging in illegal activities. This, they claim, has compromised the impartial enforcement of the law, with some officers allegedly turning a blind eye to offences such as illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
There are also allegations of bribery and preferential treatment, with claims that certain officers have accepted inducements and failed to act decisively in criminal matters. Residents say this has led to inconsistent handling of cases, with some reports ignored or unduly delayed.
“We keep seeing the same officers year after year, but the problems remain unresolved. It raises serious questions about fairness and justice,” a local opinion leader lamented.
The situation is also said to be affecting morale within the police service, as younger officers express frustration over limited opportunities for advancement due to the prolonged stay of senior personnel in key posiRegional
The Regional Police Command has acknowledged the issue, attributing the delays in transfers to administrative and logistical challenges. However, officials indicate that steps are being taken to address the situation and ensure that postings are reviewed in line with service regulations.
Community leaders are therefore calling for the introduction of clear tenure limits and a structured rotation system to prevent future overstays. They argue that regular transfers are essential to maintaining professionalism, enhancing operational efficiency, and restoring public confidence in the police service.
Residents say they remain confident that the IGP will act swiftly to address the situation, with particular attention expected to be given to the Bibiani DOVVSU office, where concerns about prolonged postings have also been raised.
Security analysts have also weighed in, noting that while experience is valuable, extended postings can erode objectivity and create room for undue influence. They stress the need for periodic reshuffling to promote transparency and strengthen policing outcomes.
As pressure mounts on the IGP to act, residents remain hopeful that swift interventions will be implemented to restore discipline, improve service delivery, and rebuild trust between the police and the communities they serve.
