Anaji launches 1.4 billion cedis police station project.

Takoradi, Aug. 20 -GNA- Residents of Anaji, one of the fastest growing suburbs of Takoradi have launched a 1.4 billion cedis Police Station project to enhance their security and well-being. The community has no police station, giving rise to incidents of armed robbery, stealing and other crimes of late. Mr. Kofi Duku-Arthur, Western Regional Police Commander, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police launched the project at a ceremony at Takoradi on Saturday. He emphasised the need for mo re public support for the Police Administration to enhance efficiency among personnel of the service. The determination of the Government and the Police Administration to provide incentives and needed facilities, including vehicles and other equipment was aimed at encouraging personnel of the service to give adequate security and protection to all law abiding citizens, he said. Mr. Duku-Arthur said in spite of this, the Police couldn't do much without support and cooperation from the public to reduce crime and enhance security in the society.

He spoke against the tendency of some communities that met out instance justice to suspected criminals and also attack police stations at the least provocation.

The Regional Police Commander said the Police Administration would be ready to send personnel to any community that decides to provide a police station. He however, suggested that a barracks must be added to such facilities to ensure that personnel posted to the community had comfortable accommodation.

Mr. Duku-Arthur commended Nana Ekra Kojo IV, Chief of Anaji for releasing land for the project and said additional land would be required for a barracks since the police station could be upgraded into a district police headquarters when completed. He also commended a number of public and private institutions in the region that have been supporting the police to enhance its operations.

The Regional Police Commander however said whereas these assistance are always welcomed, this would in no way influence the Police to give a blind eye to wrong-doing.

Mr. Philip Kwesi Nkrumah, Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive said the self-help initiative of Anaji residents to provide themselves with a number of facilities including a police station was a relief to his administration since the facility ensure safety and security of the people was long overdue.

He said the Metropolitan Assembly has plans to support the area's development and advised the people to plan more modern facilities that would make Anaji a first class residential area within the metropolis. Mr. Nkrumah called on other communities to emulate the efforts of the residents of Anaji to improve their lot. On behalf of the Assembly, he pledged 200 million Cedis in support of the Police station project.

Mr. John Davis, Assembly member for Anaji said the project would be financed from individual contributions and support from public and private institutions in the region.

Nana Ekra Kojo, chief of Anaji, who presided pledged the people's support to the Police Administration to ensure efficiency among personnel of the service.