How To Write A Police Statement In Ghana

Writing a police statement can be tricky, especially in stressful moments like this. It's important to share your story clearly so that the police can take action. In this blog post, we will show you how to write a police statement in Ghana, making it easier for you to express what happened and help those in need.

This post gives a general overview of how to write a police statement in Ghana.

Key notes

Here are key points to note in order to write an effective police statement in Ghana:

Provide Personal Details

There’s a space provided to enter your full name, address, phone number, Ghana Card Number and date of birth.

Include Incident Details

• Clearly state the date, time, and location of the incident.
• Provide a detailed description of what happened, including who was involved and any actions taken.

Describe Witnesses and Other Individuals

• If there were any witnesses or other people involved, include their names, contact information, and their connection to the incident.

Organize Events Chronologically

Write down everything you remember in the order it occurred to ensure the incident is communicated effectively.

Use Objective Language

• Avoid subjective or emotional language. Stick to the facts and provide an accurate account of the events

Include Supporting Evidence.

Attach any relevant documents, photos, videos or other evidence to support your statement.

Review and Sign the Statement

Carefully read through the statement to ensure all information is accurate and complete.

Sign and date the statement at the bottom to confirm you are providing truthful information to the best of your knowledge.

What not to say in a police statement

As much as possible, always make sure to avoid these in your police statement

1. Subjective Language

• Avoid using subjective terms such as "appeared" or "seemed." For example, instead of saying “the suspect appeared nervous,” state observations directly, such as “the suspect was sweating and avoided eye contact.” This helps to maintain objectivity and avoids personal opinions that can be challenged in court.

2. Assumptions

• Do not speculate about motives or intentions. Phrases like “I think he was trying to…” or “It seemed like they were planning to…” should be omitted. Stick to what you actually observed.

3. Emotional Language

• Avoid using emotional descriptors or dramatic language. Words like "terrifying," "horrific," or "unbelievable" can detract from the factual nature of your statement. Focus on the facts rather than how the incident made you feel.

4. Inaccurate or Incomplete Information

• Ensure that all details are accurate and complete. Avoid vague statements such as “a lot of people were around” without specifying numbers or identities. Inaccuracies can lead to the statement being questioned or dismissed.

5. Legal Conclusions

• Do not make legal judgments or conclusions about the situation. Statements like “he was guilty of theft” should be avoided. Instead, describe what you saw and let law enforcement or the courts determine any legal implications.

6. Personal Opinions

• Avoid including personal opinions or biases. Phrases like “I believe” or “in my opinion” should be excluded to maintain the statement's objectivity.

7. Excessive Detail

• While it's important to provide details, avoid excessive or irrelevant information that does not pertain to the incident. Stick to the facts that are directly related to the case.

Samples of police statements

We have curated a few examples of written police statements in Ghana below.

Sample 1

Witness Statement

I, John Doe, residing at 123 Main Street, Accra, Ghana, with phone number 0123456789, hereby provide the following statement to the police regarding an incident I witnessed on August 22, 2024.

On the aforementioned date, at approximately 7:30 PM, I was walking along Oxford Street in Osu when I observed a physical altercation between two men. One man, wearing a blue shirt and jeans, appeared to be the aggressor, while the other man, wearing a red shirt and khakis, was trying to defend himself.

The man in the blue shirt pushed the other man to the ground and began punching him repeatedly. I immediately called the police and reported the incident. By the time the police arrived, the man in the blue shirt had fled the scene. The other man was still on the ground, bleeding from his nose and mouth.

I provided a description of the man in the blue shirt to the police officers. He was a tall, slim man with short black hair and a beard. I did not know either of the individuals involved in the incident.

I am willing to cooperate with the police investigation and provide any further assistance if needed. I affirm that the information provided in this statement is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: John Doe

Date: August 22, 2024

Download this police report below:

Victim Statement

I, Jane Doe, residing at 456 Oak Street, Kumasi, Ghana, with phone number 9876543210, hereby provide the following statement to the police regarding an incident that occurred on August 21, 2024.

On the aforementioned date, at approximately 10:00 PM, I was walking home from work when I was approached by a man in a dark hoodie. He demanded that I give him my purse and threatened to harm me if I did not comply.

Fearing for my safety, I handed over my purse, which contained my wallet, keys, and mobile phone. The man then fled the scene on foot. I immediately called the police and reported the robbery.

I was unable to provide a detailed description of the perpetrator as it was dark and he was wearing a hoodie that obscured his face. I did not sustain any physical injuries during the incident.

I am willing to cooperate with the police investigation and provide any further assistance if needed. I affirm that the information provided in this statement is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: Jane Doe

Date: August 21, 2024

Sample 2

Incident Report

I, Michael Smith, residing at 789 Pine Street, Takoradi, Ghana, with phone number 0234567890, hereby provide the following statement to the police regarding a car accident that occurred on August 22, 2024.

On the aforementioned date, at approximately 4:15 PM, I was driving my blue Toyota Corolla along the main road near the Takoradi Market. I was heading towards the city center when I noticed a red Honda Civic coming from the opposite direction. The traffic light was green for me, and I proceeded through the intersection.

Suddenly, the driver of the red Honda Civic ran a red light and collided with my car on the passenger side. The impact caused my car to spin around, and I hit the curb. I was shocked but did not sustain any serious injuries. The driver of the other car, a young woman, appeared to be shaken but was able to exit her vehicle.

I immediately called the police to report the accident. While waiting for the officers to arrive, I exchanged contact information with the other driver. I also took photos of both vehicles and the scene of the accident.

When the police arrived, I provided them with my driver's license and vehicle registration. I informed them that I did not have any witnesses to the accident, but I could provide my account of what happened.

I am willing to cooperate fully with the police investigation and provide any further assistance if needed. I affirm that the information provided in this statement is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: Michael Smith 

Date: August 22, 2024