French gov't to support police with one-million Euro

The French government at the weekend committed a one-million Euro support to boost the training and logistical needs of the Ghana Police Service.

The amount would be used to equip the Forensic Laboratory of the service as well as boosting the capacity of police personnel in the study of the French language to facilitate collaboration of the police with the security agents in French speaking countries.

An agreement to this effect was signed and the visiting French Foreign Minister Mr Dominique de Villepine, initialled on behalf of his country, while Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Minister of the Interior signed on behalf of Ghana.

Mr Owusu-Agyeman described the signing of the pact as momentous in the history of Ghana since France has this time round chosen a non-French speaking country for assistance.

The Minister said the funds would be used to increase the capacity of law enforcement agents and ensure law and order, which would transcend to other countries in the sub-region.

He said the assistance would also boost Ghana's cooperation with the international community in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.Mr Owusu-Agyeman called for support for the Ghana Prison Service and Ghana National Fire Service and other service providers, adding that such assistance could enhance sub-regional cooperation in security matters.

He commended France for its support for the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) stressing that France played a role in the development of Ghana before the introduction of the initiative.

Mr Villepine described the support as an important moment for France and said the country was interested in ensuring cooperation between the Police of Ghana and that of France.

He said cooperation between the two countries should start at the regional level through effective collaboration.

Mr Villepine described Ghana as a shining example of a country practicing the Rule of Law, adding that " Ghana and France share the same ideals on maintenance of peace."

He said that the two countries would need to work hard to strengthen the ties between them.

Dignitaries present at the function included Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo,Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Thomas Broni, Deputy Interior Minister, Nana Stephen Owusu-Nsiah, Inspector General of Police, Mr Patrick Acheampong, Deputy Inspector General of Police