President Akufo-Addo
President Akufo-Addo has reiterated his commitment to beefing up security to protect Ghanaians.
He said nobody or group of persons would be allowed to terrorise innocent citizens.
The President gave the assurance following the recent spate of armed robberies in the country which has created fear and panic among the populace.
Speaking during the 61st independence anniversary at the Black Stars Square, where he announced some bold initiatives, including moving Ghana Beyond Aid, President Akufo-Addo admitted that “all these plans and big dreams I have outlined will come to naught if we do not have peace in our country.”
That, he said, was because “the primary requirement for prosperity is peace and the first obligation on any government is to ensure the safety and security of the citizenry.”
“This is an obligation I accept, and I am determined to discharge faithfully,” he said, insisting that “the recent spate of armed robberies is totally unacceptable.”
“I will work to ensure that citizens are able to go about their daily duties in the confidence that they are safe. No miscreant will have the space to terrorize citizens and generate a sense of insecurity in our country.”
Even though the police have the primary responsibility of maintaining peace and keeping law and order in society, and in exceptional cases with the backing of the armed forces, the government is doing, and will do whatever it takes to enable the police discharge their duties effectively.”
“For now, we are providing the means for them to modernize their equipment and learn modern methods of policing, and their numbers will be rapidly increased to match our growing population and the sophistication and audacity of the criminals.”
He therefore called on the public to back the police to do their work, adding that “we dare not lose our reputation as a haven of peace and security and I urge you all to join in making sure there is no hiding place in our midst for those who would disturb our peace.
“I will do whatever is necessary within the confines of the constitution and the laws of the land to ensure the peace of our country.”
The president took the opportunity to thank officers and men of the various security agencies in the country who have put their lives on the line in the various operations such as ‘Calm Life’, ‘Cow Leg’ and ‘Vanguard’ to protect the country and guarantee the safety of the citizenry.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent