The Police National of Togo is set to hold open days from October 6 to 8, 2026, in Lomé and several other cities across the country. The event aims to educate the public about the police's organization, missions, and services. The activities will take place at the General Directorate of the Police National in Lomé, as well as in central police stations in various cities, including Tsévié, Kpalimé, Atakpamé, Sokodé, Kara, and Dapaong.
The Police National's primary mission is to ensure the safety of people and property, maintain public order, and contribute to the prevention and fight against crime across the country. However, the police are more commonly associated with racket practices on the roads, targeting drivers of cars and motorcycles. This has led to widespread criticism and complaints from the public.
In an effort to address the issue, the Ministry of Security has provided a toll-free hotline, 1014, for citizens to report incidents of racket practices. The hotline, which was established in 2019, was recently reactivated in September 2026 due to the growing prevalence of the phenomenon. The hotline is available 24/7 and allows citizens to report incidents they have witnessed or been victims of.
Despite the efforts to address the issue, the open days program does not appear to include any discussions or presentations on the topic of racket practices. Instead, the program features presentations on the history and organization of the Police National, recruitment conditions, and services such as rapid legalization and accelerated establishment of national identity cards.
The program also includes a football match between ASPOTO and Entente II on October 9, 2026, and a popular jogging event on October 10, 2026. These events are aimed at engaging with the public and promoting a positive image of the police. However, critics argue that the police should be using this opportunity to address the elephant in the room - the widespread racket practices that have eroded public trust.
The Police National's open days are an opportunity for the public to learn more about the organization's role and services. However, the absence of any discussion on racket practices has raised concerns that the police are not taking the issue seriously enough. The public is eagerly waiting to see concrete actions taken by the police to address this issue and restore trust.
The Ministry of Security and the Police National must take concrete steps to address the issue of racket practices and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The public expects more than just public relations exercises; they expect tangible results and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
Key points
- The Togo Police National's open days aim to educate the public on its role and services.
- Racket practices on the roads remain a major challenge for the police.
- A toll-free hotline, 1014, has been established for citizens to report incidents of racket practices.
