Police React to Media Report

The following is a police statement: The Police Administration has been monitoring with deep concern recent publications in some newspapers and re-echoed on FM stations on the Accra Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kofi Boakye's supposed transfer to Bolgatanga.

These media comments have created impressions in certain quarters of the general public that some of the Schedule Officers at the Police Headquarters are disloyal to the Inspector-General of Police.

What is even more worrying are very distasteful publications in some of the media especially "Daily Guide" that the transfer was spearheaded by certain top Police Officers who are in league with armed robbers; or that it was meant to stop the Regional Commander from performing his assigned duties as a commander.

It is important to make it dear that Schedule Officers at the Police Headquarters are an integral part of management and they act in an advisory capacity to the Inspector-General of Police and also that issues concerning transfer of Senior Police Officers is the prerogative of the Inspector-General of Police.

Therefore when they meet to deliberate on issues concerning the administration of the Service, the IGP need not be present, since the outcome of such meetings are sent to him for study, approval or otherwise. Moreover, it is important to those in the media to recognize that the process of decision making involves discussions which normally reflect the varied opinions of individuals. These may then be fine-tuned or straightened at the final decision state.

The Headquarters Schedule Officers therefore wish to assure all concerned that there exists very good working relations among them and the IGP and that they have unflinching support for the IGP.

This position was emphasized when they met the Acting Minister for the Interior, Dr. Addo-Kufuor on March 7, 2003.

It will therefore be greatly appreciated if the National Media Commission will bring to the notice of all print and electronic media the ridicule and disaffection their publications have created towards the Police Administration and wish to caution that such acts of indiscretion are not in the public interest.

We hope the Media Commission draws the attention of the media to this disturbing phenomenon in order to create a healthy working relationship for peace and order to prevail in the country."

(Signed)

David Eklu (ASP)

Public Relations Director