Boldly written on the fence wall of the Joint Operation Centre (JOC) at the Ghana Police Service Headquarters is a simple but profound inscription: “My Police, Your Police, Our Police, let’s make it better.”

To a passer-by, it may appear to be just words on a wall. But beneath those words lies a fundamental truth about policing: the Police belong to the people, serve the people and cannot effectively protect them without their support.

The Police cannot protect the public without the public. And the public cannot enjoy lasting peace, security and stability without a functioning Police Service.

Aboso fire incident

That truth came alive in Aboso in the Western Region on August 26, 2026.

As flames engulfed shops at the Aboso Main Lorry Station, destroying property and threatening lives, Inspector Hance Atubra of the Tarkwa Divisional Headquarters was the first Police officer to arrive at the scene.

He did not stand by and watch. He immediately moved into action, helping people trapped in the affected area and evacuating victims to safety.

In doing so, he demonstrated what the Police uniform should represent — courage, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to protecting life and property.

The people saw it. And they responded.

Public appreciation
In an extraordinary display of appreciation, members of the public carried Inspector Atubra shoulder-high and sang his praises, celebrating an officer who had risked his own safety to save theirs.

That spontaneous show of appreciation was more than an emotional reaction. It was a powerful demonstration of what can happen when the public recognises and supports good policing.

The Police Administration also responded swiftly.

Within 24 hours, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, promoted Inspector Atubra to the rank of Chief Inspector in recognition of his courage, quick response and efforts to save life and property.

The recognition was subsequently followed by his decoration at the National Police Headquarters in Accra.

It was more than a promotion. It was a clear message that exceptional service and sacrifice will be recognised and rewarded.

But the Aboso incident also carries a message for the public.

Ghanaians must not treat the Police as an institution to be remembered only when trouble comes.

When criminals strike, property is threatened or lives are in danger, we expect the Police to respond.

Yet, when officers are performing their lawful duties, some members of the public obstruct, insult or even attack them.

This must stop.

There is no justification for attacking a Police officer who is lawfully performing his or her duty.

Where an officer acts improperly, there are lawful avenues for redress.

Complaints can be lodged, conduct can be challenged and accountability can be demanded.

But violence against Police officers cannot be the answer.

Every attack on a Police officer undermines public safety.

When officers are assaulted or prevented from performing their duties, criminals are emboldened and respect for law and order is weakened.

Ultimately, everyone suffers — the trader, farmer, student, driver, professional, business owner and family.

We cannot demand security from the Police with one hand and undermine their authority with the other.

Citizens must become active partners in policing. Give the Police credible information. Cooperate with investigations.

Respect lawful instructions. Report suspicious activity and assist officers when necessary.

Where there are genuine concerns about police conduct, use the appropriate channels to demand accountability.

As our elders say, “As you advise the cat, you must advise the salted fish as well.”

The Police, too, must earn and preserve public trust.

Officers must remain professional, disciplined, respectful and faithful to the law.

IGP Yohuno's approach
This is where the approach of IGP Yohuno deserves commendation.

His leadership is demonstrating that the Police Administration can both reward exceptional service and sanction misconduct.

Officers who distinguish themselves through courage and dedication are being recognised, including through special promotions, while those who breach professional standards are being disciplined.

That balance is essential.

It tells the good officer: your sacrifice matters.

It tells the erring officer: your uniform is not a licence to break the law.

And it tells the public: this is your Police Service — support it, while holding it accountable.

Inspector Atubra’s experience is therefore bigger than one fire incident.

The residents of Aboso showed what public appreciation looks like when citizens recognise an officer who has served them courageously.

The IGP demonstrated what institutional appreciation looks like by rewarding that service swiftly.

'Let's demonstrate public support'
Now, the rest of the country must demonstrate what public support for policing looks like.

Let us stop attacking those who protect us.

Let us stop treating Police officers as enemies or celebrating their humiliation.

Instead, let us support officers who perform their duties diligently, cooperate with them and demand accountability through lawful means when necessary.

The Police have a duty to protect Ghana.

We, the public, have a duty to help them do it.

The inscription on the JOC wall must therefore be more than words.

The real question is whether Police and public alike are prepared to make the Service better.

The answer must be an emphatic yes.

Because, after all, it is My Police, Your Police, Our Police.