“An Aroma of Policing”: Former IGP Alhassan launches memoir on law enforcement and peacekeeping

A new memoir chronicling the life and career of former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed A. Alhassan, was officially launched in Accra on Thursday, May 15 at the Police Headquarters in Accra.

Titled An Aroma of Policing: A Life of Service in Law Enforcement and Global Peacekeeping, the book offers a deep and reflective look at Ghana’s policing landscape, from institutional reforms to international peacekeeping missions.

Delivering the keynote address, former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah hailed the memoir as a timely contribution to national discourse on security and public service.

He described it as “a blueprint for institutional memory, a guide for leadership, a call to national action,” adding that it aligns with the government’s priorities for a more proactive and trusted police service.

Hon. Debrah emphasized the need for crime prevention to become the foundation of modern policing in Ghana, backed by strategic investment and the expansion of systems focused on Awareness, Accessibility, Accountability, and Engagement (AAAE).

He also stressed the importance of specialist training in emerging areas such as cybercrime, terrorism, and public order.

Highlighting initiatives begun during the Mahama administration, Hon. Debrah praised the Ghana Police Command and Staff College at Winneba and the recruits’ training squadron, calling for their revitalisation to bridge the gap between academic training and frontline readiness.

“A well-supported officer is a dependable officer,” he noted, underscoring the link between officer welfare and national security outcomes.

Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, immediate past Dean of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, described the book as a rare blend of autobiography, policy critique, and institutional history. Drawing attention to Chapters 14 through 23, he noted that the book provides a candid assessment of Ghana’s policing structure and recommends bold reforms for the future.

According to Dr. Antwi-Danso, the memoir stands out not just for its narrative but for the author’s lived experience — including his leadership in establishing units such as the Formed Police Unit, Community Policing, and the Gender and Juvenile Unit. He described the book as “a must-read for students, scholars, and practitioners in governance and security.”

In his address, Mohammed A. Alhassan expressed deep gratitude for the support shown, reflecting on how his father’s service as an escort policeman inspired his own journey. “This book is not just my story. It is a reflection of how policing intersects with society — how every teacher, every youth, and every household has a role to play in building peace and order,” he said.

Calling for sustained reform and greater community engagement, the retired IGP urged stakeholders to see policing as a collective responsibility.

“Security is not just about law enforcement — it is about education, equity, infrastructure, and shared values,” he remarked.

The event closed with a call to action, urging citizens and policymakers alike to reimagine policing rooted in professionalism, integrity, and public service.

Also in attendance at the launch were the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak; the Inspector-General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno; former Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho; as well as other senior government and security officials.