Police recruits in the country have been advised not to exchange instant gratification with a fruitful career in the Service.
According to the Volta Regional Police Commander, DCOP Edward Oduro-Kwateng, being professional and adhering to the ethics and standards of the profession is the only security the Police officer has.
To this end, he warned that “the system will expose you if you allow personal feelings, animosity or friendship and political affiliation to influence your official duties. The system will reject you if you dare desire instant gratification.”
DCOP Oduro-Kwateng gave the caution when he addressed 179 general police recruits of the Ho Police Training School under the command of parade 2 I/C Benedicta Botchway.
He explained that the service is an honourable calling that sets officers apart from society. Hence, there is the need for them to “comply with the laws they are to enforce and ensure that it shows in their appearance and comportment to inspire confidence and respect to the police service.”
DCOP Oduro-Kwateng who was also the reviewing officer of the parade noted that the batch is the 6th intake since the government gave clearance for 8,000 young men and women to be recruited into the service since it took office.
He also noted that “training and retraining expand the knowledge base of employees for that reason the current administration has resolved to commit more resources towards training and retraining of personnel.”
To this end, a total of 1,924 constables who had their training in 2019 were all given another three-weeks advanced training on High-Risk Operation by Formed Police Unit (FPU), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT).
He also noted with the rise in political tension, the capacity building programs were timely as Ghana prepares for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in December 2020. “The police are not oblivious of the enormous task ahead,” he stressed.
The Regional Commander advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used as puppets by politicians to foment trouble. To the politicians, he also cautioned them “not to insulate the youth and cocoon them with their party identity to perpetuate violence.”
He announced that “the police service is ready to unmask and strip any riotous mob or fugitives of political colouration and swiftly bring such individuals to answer the very crimes they have committed without fear or favour.”
The 179 recruits during their training were taught Practical Police Duties, Criminal Laws, Criminal Investigation Law and Evidence, Acts and Decrees, First Aid, Professional Policing Ethics as well as Muskerty, Physical Training, Foot and Rifle Drills among others.
Meanwhile, G/R Sabu Martin Kwarase has adjudged the overall National best recruit in academics and overall best recruit of the Ho Police Training School with a total score of 1,981 representing 90.05% out of 2,200.
G/R Komladza Wonder emerged second-best recruit in academics while Azubrire Clifford as the best recruit in the drill.
From Fred Duodu, Ho (K.duodu@yahoo.com)