Prior to the Police Service Act, written complaints by members of the public about police misconduct—including oppression or intimidation by an officer, neglect or non‑performance of duty, or other misconduct—were already recognised as a legal basis for accountability in the Police Service. Under Section 23 of the Police Service Act, “Any member of the public shall be entitled … to make a complaint in writing … as to … any instance of bribery, corruption, oppression or intimidation by a police officer … neglect or non‑performance of his duties … or any other misconduct by a police officer.” The law further directs that on receiving such a complaint, the IGP or relevant superior must “cause a full and impartial investigation to be made … and take such action as the circumstances may require.”
Kelly Fred Nyame, Managing Editor of Daily Times Newspaper and Dailytimesgh.com, has petitioned the Inspector‑General of Police (IGP) over alleged misconduct by an officer at the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) office in Bibiani.
The petition concerns Madam Evelyn, an officer at the Bibiani DOVVSU, who is accused of handling a sensitive case involving a complainant’s wife in an unprofessional manner. According to Mr. Nyame, the officer appeared disinterested in the matter, often diverting attention to other tasks while proceedings were ongoing. There were also repeated interruptions and unnecessary requests for repetition, which delayed the process and frustrated the parties involved.
He further argued that such conduct undermines fairness, transparency and the protection of victims, potentially eroding public confidence in the police service, especially in units charged with supporting vulnerable persons.
Mr. Nyame is calling on the IGP to investigate the matter impartially, take disciplinary action if the allegations are confirmed, and strengthen professionalism, accountability and victim‑centred practices in all DOVVSU offices nationwide to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
