Upper West Regional Police evaluate community policing impact

The Upper West Regional Police Command in Ghana has launched a validation workshop in Wa to assess the impact of community policing training provided to 90 officers. Supported by the Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM), the initiative aims to evaluate how personnel from the Wa West, Sissala West, and Lambussie districts have applied their skills to improve intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and public trust.

Regional Police Commander DCOP Francis Yiribaare emphasized that the success of the program should be measured by practical improvements in police-community relations and service delivery rather than the number of certificates issued. He highlighted the implementation of “confidence and trust-building patrols,” which involve deliberate engagement with motorists and community members to identify security concerns before they escalate.

The workshop included participants from the Ghana Immigration Service and focused on the necessity of professional communication and addressing misinformation to maintain public confidence. Yiribaare called for continued collaboration with traditional authorities, local government, and community groups to ensure security through sustained engagement and visibility.