Government will support Ghana Police Service

Accra, June 08, GNA - Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Minister of the Interior, on Thursday said government would endeavour to find solutions to the numerous problems facing the Ghana Police Service. He said the Ghanaian policeman or woman was a very competent and responsible person who must be supported to play his or her duties efficiently.

Mr Kan-Dapaah was reacting to a statement made by Mr Joseph Amenowode, Member for Hohoe South on "Making the Ghana Police Service professionally efficient."

Mr Kan-Dapaah said the police should not be ridiculed in their attempt to serve the country but should rather be encouraged to give off their best.

Mr Amenowode had said there was something wrong with the policing methods in the country.

He alluded to the Dansoman shooting incident, the Kotobabi shooting incident and other incidents in which police over reacted and killed innocent people.

He said: "it is very clear from these incidents that our police lack professional response methods to problems they confront in their day-to-day policing responsibilities." Mr Amenowode said the criteria for promotion was not open and clear to all as such there was no way one could know the reasons for not being promoted.

"This situation naturally leads to suspicions of nepotism and tribalism and reduces professional competence." He said it was about time the police authorities instilled high professionalism into the service, which, "could only be achieved by providing opportunities for refresher courses and other forms of motivation."

Mr Abuga Pele, NDC-Chiana/Paga, said the police work under very difficult situations and yet they are expected to be "super humans." He said police have inadequate barracks accommodation, adding," this situation has persisted for a long time. In fact, nobody cares about where the policeman sleeps." Mr Pele said the police should be given their due because the future of the country is directly linked to the development and morale of the police. Mr Nkrabea Effah Darteh, NPP-Berekum, said it was tragic and ironic that the much-respected Ghanaian police in peacekeeping areas and foreign lands was least regarded at home. "He is the person who must perform no matter the circumstances, no matter the environment." 08 June 06