Power struggle within police?

Let us avoid power struggle - Kan-Dapaah
Kumasi, Oct. 20, GNA - Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister of the Interior has cautioned Senior Police Officers against power struggle that is undermining efficient and effective administration of the Ghana Police Service.

He warned that Government would take drastic action against any Senior Police Officer who attempts to weaken the command and control structure in the pursuit of self-centred ambitions. Mr Kan-Dapaah gave the warning when addressing a durbar of Officers and men of the Service in Kumasi as part of his official visit to the Ashanti Region.

He said no decision had been taken on some aspects of the Justice Georgina Wood Committee referred to Government adding 'The Inspector General of Police is still at post.'

'We have a sitting Inspector General of Police and I consider the speculations on his successor and accompanying politics within the administration, which is currently going on in the Service as unfortunate, unacceptable and unprofessional.'

'I am worried because it is undermining the command and control structure within the Service and Government is not the least happy about it,' he added.

Mr Kan-Dapaah noted that the manner some Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners within the Service were trying to pursue their ambitions was uncalled for and unhealthy.

He said the behaviour was fuelling indiscipline and reflecting negatively on the image of the Service and urged those involved to stop in the interest of the Service.

The Interior Minister mentioned several instances where the police had fought drug trafficking in the country adding 93Government and Ghanaians are appreciative of the excellent achievements of the Service. You should continue with the good work.'

He said the Service should be pleased and proud that the Committee found no evidence that the Service as an institution was involved in the importation and discharge of cocaine from MV Benjamin, the vessel involved in the case.

Mr Kan-Dapaah advised police personnel to focus their attention on the positive aspects of the Committee's findings and redirect their energies towards the excellent work they did in fighting the drug menace in the country.

'We have every reason to be proud of our achievements. Let us get rid of all those negative tendencies that damage our image. Policing is a fine profession. Let us resolve never to disgrace our chosen profession,' he stressed.

On the whereabouts of the 76 kilogrammes of cocaine, Mr Kan-Dapaah said the Committee established that, they were in the house of Sheriff, who had absconded with one 'killer', the Korean accomplice. He said the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Service was at work and gave the assurance that, the police would soon arrest them and locate the cocaine.

The Interior Minister said Government was aware of the challenges facing the Service and efforts were being made to improve the salaries and service conditions of personnel.

He said Government had given approval for the release of about 20 million dollars to acquire more vehicles and protective equipment for the Service.
Mr Kan-Dapaah announced that a new police hospital would be constructed at Tamale for the personnel.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Frank Adu Poku, Ashanti Regional Police Commander expressed concern about the increasing cases of instant justice meted out to suspected criminals within Kumasi Metropolis and attributed it to delays in the country's justice system.
He gave the assurance that the Ashanti Regional Police Command would endeavour to arrest criminals, especially armed robbers, who had been terrorising innocent victims within the metropolis. 20 Oct. 06