Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Henry Quartey and Dr. George Akuffo Dampare cutting the tape to officially open the police shop
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has commended Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, for his transformational effort to build a world-class Police Service capable of dealing with traditional and emerging crimes.
Speaking at the commissioning of the ultra-modern Ghana Police shop at the police headquarters, Accra, Dr. Bawumia commended the IGP and members of the Police Management Board for executing developmental initiatives under the police transformation agenda.
He said that under the leadership of the IGP, the people of Ghana have witnessed significant transformation of the Police Service.
This includes the facelift of the National Police Headquarters, the expansion and decentralisation of the Formed Police Unit (FPU) to all 25 police regions, enhanced police visibility, and decentralisation of police background.
Other transformational initiatives include active community and stakeholder engagement, enhanced intelligence operations, Snatch Them Young Policing Initiative among several others have ensured a more responsive, accountable, and operationally effective policing institution.
“Once again, I wish to commend the IGP, the members of the Police Management Board, and all officers and men for executing these initiatives under the police transformation agenda. I would like to urge you to continue to do more, especially as the nation prepares to go into a general election come December 7.
“For your daily sacrifices and commitment to protecting the life and property of the good people of Ghana, IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, ‘ayekoo’ to you and your men. You can always count on government support to help you do more for this country,” he added.
Government Support
The Vice President mentioned that over the past seven years, the government has consistently provided the needed logistical support to the Police Service to enhance its operational efficiency. This includes the provision of vehicles, motorbikes, and protective equipment among several other logistics.
This, he said, is evident in the increased police visibility in communities, which has improved response to crime and other law and order situations.
“The President commissioned an ultra-modern service workshop, a basic school, and modern accommodation for officers at Kwabenya. Other residential facilities are under construction and will soon be commissioned to provide some comfort to officers and men of the service.
“The security of our country has been and will continue to be a high priority for the government of the New Patriotic Party,” Dr. Bawumia pointed out.
Similarly, Minister for Interior, Henry Quartey, highlighted the level of transformation experienced by the service over the last seven years under the current government.
“The Police Service has one mandate to accomplish, thus, to ensure that there is peace before, during, and after the election. This will send an example to our neighbouring countries,” he said.
Dr. Akuffo Dampare, who expressed gratitude to the Vice President for the support assurance, said the commissioning of the ultra-modern Ghana Police shop is to ensure that the welfare of police personnel is catered for.
The shop has in stock institutional souvenirs, all uniform items, including office wear, operational wear as well as ceremonial wear and an online presence, making it possible for officers outside Accra to purchase items online and have them delivered to them anywhere in the country.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke