Ghana Police give private security companies strict dress code (Photos)

In a directive aimed at curbing impersonation and clarifying public identity, the Ghana Police Service has mandated a strict national uniform code, outlawing any attire that bears resemblance to state security agencies.

The Public Notice from the Director-General of Private Security Organizations specifies just four approved uniform combinations that all private security operators and their employees must now adhere to across Ghana.

According to the notice, issued under Regulation 12 of the Police Service (Private Security Organizations) Regulations, 1992 (LI.1571), the permitted uniforms are: a “White Long/Short Sleeve Shirt over a pair of Ash Khaki Trousers with white stripes on both sides”; a “Cream Long/Short Sleeves Shirt over Brown khaki Trousers with Cream stripes on both sides”; and a “Mauve Long/Short Sleeve Shirt over a pair of Maroon Trousers with Mauve stripes on both sides.” A fourth, specialized uniform—a “Yellow shirt with Ash/Grey Reflectors across the back and front over a Brown pair of Khaki trousers”—is designated “solely for the Mines and Oil fields.”

The directive draws a firm line against improvisation, stating unequivocally that “any other uniform, color combination, design, or turnout not listed above and has resemblance to the uniforms of any state security agency is deemed unauthorized.”

This move appears designed to eliminate public confusion and prevent private security personnel from being mistaken for police or military officers, a concern that has lingered in various sectors.

The notice imposes a dual compliance requirement. It orders that “all private security operators are required to comply strictly with the above approved uniform specifications,” while also instructing that “in-house security should as well desist from wearing uniforms which have some resemblance to state security agencies.”

The regulator warned that “offenders shall be liable to sanctions as prescribed by law,” though the specific penalties were not detailed in the notice.

In a call for public vigilance, the notice encourages citizens to “take note of these approved uniforms and report any suspected violations to the appropriate authorities.”