The History of the Ghana Police Force

The History of the Ghana Police Force

The History of the Ghana Police Service as a force institution formed in Ghana then Gold Coast with the aim and objectives for maintain peace in the country.

Take a short moment to read about the history of Ghana Police Service as a force.

Before, Ghana Police Service is a type of force that is established to service in Ghana by maintaining peace in the country. Knowing this is best for those that are interested in applying or joining the Ghana Police Service as a Force institution.


Now take a look at the history of the Ghana Police Service as a force in Ghana.                 

THE HISTORY: The real Police work was started in the then Gold Coast; now the Republic of Ghana, in the year 1921. Before that time the Executive and Judicial Powers were in the hands of Local Chiefs and Headsmen who employed unpaid messengers to do the work of the Police.

In 1871, when Great Britain had full control of the Colony, it became necessary to provide strong Force, to this end, Captain Glover conducted Force of 700 Hausa men from the Northern Nigeria to take part in the Ashanti Wars on behalf of the British, and in 1876, and this body of Men formed the GOLD COAST CONSTABULARY.

GOLD COAST POLICE: The Gold Coast Police Force, now the Ghana Police Service was formed in 1894, with 400 out of the 700 men who formed the Gold Coast Constabulary, under Six European Officers.

The remaining 300 men became the Gold Coast Regiment. First and Second Battalions.

In 1902, the Gold Coast Police was divided to make separate branches of ESCORT and GENERAL POLICE. In 1907, the Northern Territories Constabulary was formed from the Second Battalion of the Gold Coast Regiment, but it was amalgamated with the Gold Coast Police Force in 1929.

MARINE POLICE: Marine Police was formed in 1916 but was disbanded in 1942 and its place/duties was taken by the Department of CUSTOMS & EXCISE.

POLICE BAND: The Gold Coast; now Ghana Police CENTRAL BAND was formed in the year 1918.

C.I.D. FINGER PRINT: The Criminal Investigation Department was formed in 1921. In 1922 the finger-prints system was introduced.

POLICE DEPOT: The Police Training Depot was opened on 14th March, 1930 for the training of recruits, refresher and promotion courses for other ranks. In 1943, the Old Depot was vacated and the new Depot occupied.

POLICE RESERVES: Following serious rioting in the country the Mobile Force now Police Reserve was formed in 1948 to combat with lawlessness.

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION: Wireless Communication came into use in 1949 with the formal opening of the Information Room, Accra by his Excellency the Governor Sir Charles Noble Arden Clark in June 1950.

POLICE WOMEN: The first twelve Police Women were enlisted in 1952 and their duties include supervision of delinquent children.

ARMOURED CAR SQUADRON: The Armoured Car Squadron (A.C.S) was established in 1958. Members’ duties include Presidential Guard.

POLICE COLLEGE: Opened in 1959 to train police officers.

SPECIAL BRANCH: Set up in 1949.

Source: Police Squad Lesson Notes

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