INTERPOL experts socialize at cocktail party

Accra, July 13, GNA- Delegates at the 18th INTERPOL African Regional Conference in Accra on Wednesday night took leave off their mandate to combat global crime and patronized a cocktail party at the Forecourt of the State House.

After hours of deliberation on drug and human trafficking, money laundering, cyber/ computer fraud, motor vehicle theft and gun running among other official engagements, the delegates were joined by Vice President Alhaji Mahama to give lease to the saying: " all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy".

The Police band dressed in their ceremonial black and white apparel, did not only play the national anthem to acknowledge the presence of the Vice President, but also treated the audience to evergreen highlife music and other songs from other parts of the Africa.

The local African Showtime Dancers Cultural Group also put on display their dexterity in kpanlogo songs and other traditional music and dance as well as gymnastic display.

About 135 security representatives from 41 African countries are participating in the three-day biennial conference that is discussing policing issues for Africa, including measures to fight terrorism. The theme for the conference: is " Crisis Management Support and Strategy".

Papa Owusu-Ankomah, Minister of the Interior, Mr Patrick Acheampong, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Jackie Selebi, President of INTERPOL, and Mr Ronald Noble, General Secretary of INTERPOL were some of the personalities that were present at the function. The delegates are discussing issues like: "INTERPOL's Strategy On Crisis Support and Terrorism", "Examination and Adoption Of The Rules Of The Governing The African Contact Officers Network" and "Support for Regional Police Cooperation Activities".

Created in 1923, the France-based world largest international Police organisation with 181 member countries facilitates cross-border Police cooperation and supports and assists all authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat crime. The core functions of INTERPOL are to secure global communications services and operate data services and databases for police and police support services.