The successful deployment of Operation Black Maria in Akwatia by the Ghana Police Service has set a new standard for maintaining law and order in the country. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, disclosed this to The Chronicle in exclusive interview over the weekend, after last week’s by-election.
According to him, his administration would build on this success by replicating the Operation Black Maria model in subsequent police operations across the country. To him, effective communication with stakeholders, especially political parties, security agencies coupled with the strategic deployment of the large contingent of personnel was deterrent enough for potential troublemakers in the Akwatia constituency.
IGP Yohuno further told The Chronicle that proactive measures like risk assessment, contingency planning and coordination with relevant stakeholders resulted in the incident free by-election.
He continued that, constant training and capacity building for the personnel on Operation Black Maria model, focusing on effective communication, crowd management and conflict resolution also played major role in ensuring peaceful election in Akwatia.
IGP Yohuno laid emphasis on the need to regularly assess and evaluate the effectiveness of Operation Black Maria, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary adjustments.
According to him, if future preparation is conducted with the needed zeal, reduced incidence of violence and disturbances during electoral and other events would be achieved.
