Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has disclosed that with the clearance from the government, the Ghana Police Service has recruited over 7,000 personnel to augment its staff strength.
He said the over 7,000 personnel were recruited over a period of three years and this has resulted in a significant manpower increase.
Dr Bawumia disclosed this when he inaugurated the state-of-the-art Ghana Police Shop, a pivotal addition to the country’s law enforcement infrastructure in Accra yesterday.
The development, he noted, emphasised the government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing security across the country.
He also indicated that the government had consistently allocated resources to strengthen the Police Service, including the provision of vehicles, motorbikes and protective gear.
This initiative, he noted, aligns with broader efforts to bolster operational efficiency and officer welfare, saying “these investments have not only increased police visibility, but also enhanced response capabilities and community engagement nationwide.”
Highlighting the critical role of security in national development, Vice President Bawumia praised the efforts of the Ghana Police Service, under the leadership of Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, in maintaining peace and stability amidst regional challenges.
The commissioning of the Ghana Police Shop marks a significant milestone in the ongoing modernisation efforts within the Police Service.
Vice President Bawumia underscored the shop’s importance in fostering uniformity and providing additional logistical support to officers beyond what is traditionally supplied by the government.
The newly commissioned Ghana Police Shop will stock a comprehensive range of uniform items tailored to meet the diverse needs of officers, from office attire to operational and ceremonial wear.
Moreover, it will serve as a platform for officers to access souvenirs essential for international assignments, ensuring they represent Ghana with pride on global stages.
Innovatively, the shop will operate an online platform, enabling officers across the country to conveniently purchase items and have them delivered to their locations, thereby ensuring accessibility beyond Accra.
Vice President Bawumia reassured that the establishment of the shop is complementary to the government’s mandate of providing essential supplies to the Police Service, affirming that it will enhance uniformity and support officers’ operational effectiveness.
Vice President Bawumia officially declared the Ghana Police Shop open, expressing confidence that it would serve as a cornerstone for the Police Service, providing vital resources for current and future generations of officers.
Police Is Ready Ahead of Elections
Henry Quartey, Minister of the Interior, said “Very soon, under the First Publication Act, anybody who makes a threatening statement to incite violence before, during and after the elections, we will make sure the law deals with the person.”
Minister Quartey affirmed the importance of a peaceful electoral processes of the country and urged all citizens to exercise their democratic right responsibly and peacefully.
He assured the public of the government’s dedication to maintaining a secure environment conducive to free and fair elections.
Minister Quartey reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring peace and security before, during, and after upcoming elections.
He emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of violence or incitement, warning potential offenders of strict legal consequences under the law.
The minister also noted the strides made by Ghana’s security and intelligence agencies, particularly the Ghana Police Service, under the current administration.
Minister Quartey talked about advancements in police infrastructure and professionalism over the past seven and half years.
He underscored the transformation from outdated facilities and mismatched uniforms to a well-equipped and uniformed force, embodying professionalism and unity.
“In the last seven and a half years, the security and intelligence agencies in Ghana, particularly the Ghana Police Service, have been very well retooled,” Minister Quartey stated, reflecting on the progress achieved under the current administration.
On his part, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), said “we are here today to witness the realisation of a vision aimed at uplifting the lives of our police personnel.”
Dr. Dampare underscored the importance of the project in fostering a conducive environment for officers to carry out their duties effectively.
The event, attended by stakeholders from diverse sectors, including media representatives and guests, underscored the government’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s security agencies.
