A total of 276 recruits including 144 females yesterday passed out from various police training schools across the country.
The newly recruits went through six months of basic police training such as practical police duties, police service instruction, criminal investigation, law of evidence, professional policing ethics and report writing, arms and foot drills, child- friendly policing, and criminal law and procedure.
They constitute the first batch of 4,000 people recruited by the government to augment the manpower needs of the Ghana Police Service (GPS).
The Minister of the Interior, Mr Ambrose Dery, in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, Mr Henry Quartey, called on the police to change the negative perception the public have about them.
He said negative conducts, such as extortion and brutalities were reported on regular basis in both the print and electronic media, which tend to adversely affect public confidence and bring the corporate image of the service into disrepute.
“It is on record that GPS is perceived by many Ghanaians as the most corrupt public institution in the country as a result of unprofessional conduct often exhibited by some personnel of the service,” he added.
Mr Dery said the government has outlined 13 strategic objectives to support the GPS realise its vision of becoming a world class police service.
“The government is determined to progressively recruit additional personnel to meet United Nations Police population ration of 1:500,” he added.
He urged the recruits to be professional in their work and be guided with the corporate motto “Service with Integrity’’, which calls for honesty and respect for fundamental human rights.
Mr Dery assured of government’s continuous support to improve the country’s internal peace and security in order to promote economic growth and sustainable development.
The overall best award went to Richard Afetor.
Other awards were presented to Guba Dunstan for best in academic, best in drills went to Ransford Asirifi Yeboah, Isaac Manu was awarded for best in physical training, Joseph Akwesi Saforo Adi received the best marksman.
Fredrica Kwakye received an award for best conduct, the best in child-friendly policing male category went to Bortey Bletcher.
Present at the programme was the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr James Oppong-Boanuh, members of the Police Management Board and other dignitaries.
BY ANITA NYARKO-YIRENKYI