We’ll crush criminal elements – Akufo-Addo

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The President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said the Ghana Police Service and all other security agencies in the country are poised to deal with the internal security threats in some parts of the nation.

Ghana has been hit by pockets of crimes, particularly in the capital, Accra attracting widespread condemnation from the general public. The police have also acted swiftly to make some arrests.

Speaking at the graduation parade of the 50th Officer Cadet Course of the Ghana Police Academy at the Tesano Police Depot, on 1 October, Nana Akufo-Addo gave an assurance to citizens that the country’s security architecture has accepted the challenge of criminal elements in the country and they will deal with them head on.

“I am aware that recent incidents of violent crimes in some parts of the country have generated safety and security concerns from several sections of the populist. I want to assure Ghanaians that the Police Service and indeed all the other security services are determined to deal decisively with threats posed by dangerous criminals and criminal syndicates,” Akufo-Addo said.

He added: “We can help them to succeed in this endevour if we urge the police and the other security services on and give them as much support and cooperation in the fight as we can.”

Resourcing agencies

Akufo-Addo also noted that the government will not relent on its agenda of resourcing the Police Service and all other security agencies to better prepare them to maintain law and order in the country. As part of the resourcing, the President announced that additional three helicopters will be made available to the Police Service to support their security activities.

“The Police Service will take delivery of three helicopters made up of two gazette attack-like helicopters and one airbus 350 helicopter in November this year to enhance its work,” Akufo-Addo said.

Discipline in the ranks

Commending the acting Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, and the entire Police Service, the President charged the leadership and officers of the service to do all within their power to maintain discipline as it is the single most important element to gain public trust for their core mandate of maintaining the territorial integrity of the State.

“While government does its utmost best to equip, resource and retool the police services, it is important that discipline prevails throughout the service. This is a charge I give the acting Inspector General of Police and the entire police administration.

“Without discipline and effective supervision, winning public confidence and support to fight crime will be very problematic. The detection and prevention of crime are shared responsibilities between the police and the public, and mutual respect, confidence and support are required to achieve these goals,” he said.

Awards

The overall best cadet officer award went to Cadet Officer Ernest Kwofie. The Commandant’s special award was received by Cardet Officer Emmanuel Osei.

Cardet Officer Alison Raji Atuluk, was adjudged the best in command and drill and the best marksman award went to Cardet Officer Richard Lazarus Akorli.

President Akufo-Addo congratulated all the award winners and charged them to bring their expertise to bear on their work in the Service.

Source: Daily Mail GH