Mahama launches nationwide streetlight plan to combat night crime
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a nationwide street lighting initiative aimed at improving public safety and supporting law enforcement efforts to combat crime, especially during nighttime.
The president made the announcement during the inauguration of the newly constituted Police Governing Council in Accra on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, outlining the project as a key component of a broader national security strategy.
“We will soon mount a massive exercise across the country to light up our cities. We will install streetlights in all major urban centers across the country; this will light up the country and assist you [the police] in your fight against crime at night,” President Mahama said.
The project, which is expected to begin in the coming months, is designed to bolster police visibility and deter criminal activity in poorly lit areas—often hotspots for crime after dark. According to the president, the initiative is a direct response to the public’s growing demand for safer communities and improved urban infrastructure.
President Mahama also took the opportunity to commend the Ghana Police Service for its recent operational successes, particularly its role in the arrest of suspected kidnappers in Nigeria and the safe return of Ghanaian victims.
“Let me commend the police management team for the successes you have chalked up recently in the fight against armed robbery and also your collaboration with your Nigerian counterparts in apprehending the kidnappers in Nigeria and bringing their Ghanaian victims safely back home,” he said.
The president said such achievements are a testament to improved cooperation between regional law enforcement agencies and the growing capacity of Ghana’s police force.
Despite the progress made, President Mahama emphasized the urgent need for deeper reforms and greater investment in intelligence-led policing. He stressed that the country still faces significant challenges in solving high-profile criminal cases and maintaining law and order.
“While we have made progress, we must work harder on enhancing intelligence-led policing to tackle unresolved high-profile murder cases and ensure consistent law enforcement across the country,” he said.
The new Police Governing Council, sworn in on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, has been tasked with advancing a professional and accountable policing agenda that aligns with national priorities. Its mandate includes overseeing administrative reforms, resource allocation, and improving public trust in the police.
