The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has promised to increase the presence of his men in all corners of the country during this year’s yuletide
This is to secure the security of the public during the period and prevent miscreants from invading their homes.
Speaking to leadership of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, last week, Thursday, he said “the police is ready to police the country.”
As part of the Police Service series of engagements with various stakeholders, he told the Christian leadership that the assurance was to give the public a sense of intense protection throughout the month.
Dr Dampare, in his opening remarks, told the clergy that he was approaching them with a sense of guilt and shame, as over the years the police administration was not engaging enough.
He wanted the public to see the police as their friends and number one servants, ready to protect them.
The IGP and the Police Management Board engaged the clergy on security matters and the Public Order Act.
In response, the Clergy told the IGP and his management team that they are solidly behind him and would pray that his team succeeds.
According to them, whenever they hear Dr. Dampare speaking, they get the impression that something good is about to happen in the country.
They suggested to the police administration to make use of Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in addressing public concerns, in the event that people have misgivings about the court system.
Others also lamented over challenges they encourage with the police personnel detailed to the various barriers and check points.
Responding to the Clergy’s suggestions and questions, the Director-General in charge of Patrols and Operations, Commissioner of Police (COP), Paul Manly Awuni said “we are ashamed of our officers at the barriers… the shameful behaviours of our officers at the barriers, we are not proud of it, we are ashamed.”
While admitting that the police management board was guilty about the act, he promised they would do their best to enhance the effort already being made to stop such behaviours.
Mr. Awuni added that the police administration had taken some of these unprofessional police personnel through internal disciplinary actions.
But as every human institution, he said, some of these infractions are bound to occur.
On the suggestion of mediation between the police and organisers of demonstrations, Mr Awuni said the law was explicit that the police should go to court when it doesn’t agree with the terms that the protestors proposed.
Thus, if the proposed terms would hinder defence, rights of others, public order or provision of essential services, they have to go court.
