Our past

Abstract

This article explores the effects of colonialism on policing in Ghana, and suggests ways of improving police legitimacy. Ghana experienced a century-long colonization by the British, and this experience had a tremendous impact on contemporary governmental institutions in the country. The Ghana police, one of the major institutions that has suffered from colonialism, continue to apply the policies, practices, and behaviors of the colonial policing system. An approach that has woefully and negatively affected police legitimation in the country. The article furthers the discussion of police legitimacy in post-colonial Ghana and puts forth two related arguments: first, the legitimacy problems facing the police today were due to the imperialist rule by the British; and second, the best way to address these problems is for the police to untangle itself from the past. Specific recommendations are offered to enable the police improve upon its legitimacy.