BY Issah Olegor
Police unions and rank-and-file officers across the country have paid glowing tribute to former Inspector-General of Police, Paul Tawiah Quaye, following news of his death after a period of illness.
Describing his passing as a significant loss to the policing fraternity, representatives of police unions within the Ghana Police Service said Quaye’s tenure remains a defining period in the Service’s modern history, particularly in the area of discipline and professional conduct.
While official confirmation from the family is still being finalised, tributes from within the police community have already begun to highlight his impact on institutional reforms and officer welfare.
Quaye, who served as IGP from 2009 to 2013 after his appointment by former President John Evans Atta Mills, assumed leadership at a time when the Service faced mounting public scrutiny and declining confidence.
According to union voices, his leadership helped restore internal order and set clearer standards for conduct within the ranks.
Police unions recalled that under his administration, there was a renewed emphasis on discipline, accountability, and adherence to professional ethics—principles they say continue to influence policing today. His insistence on order and structure within the Service, they noted, helped shape a more responsive and credible institution.
Many officers have described him as a calm but firm leader, whose “gentle giant” reputation reflected both his approachable nature and his uncompromising stance on discipline. Union representatives say his leadership style created a balance between command authority and respect for officers, fostering a culture of responsibility across various levels of the Service.
They further indicated that his tenure contributed to strengthening operational standards and reinforcing public trust in policing, particularly during a period when reforms were urgently needed.
Following his retirement in 2013 after decades of service, Quaye remained a respected figure within the policing community, often cited as a benchmark for leadership and institutional discipline.
Police unions say his legacy will continue to serve as a guide for current and future officers, as the Service navigates evolving challenges in law enforcement.
Details of funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course, as the police fraternity and the nation prepare to honour one of its most respected former leaders.
