Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged the Ghana Police Service to harness opportunities being provided under the government digitisation agenda to enhance its prospects in modern day policing.
“I would like to call on the Police Administration to maximise opportunities under the ongoing government digitisation and digitalisation agenda to strengthen the Police Transformation Project to meet contemporary policing priorities and improve law enforcement service delivery and transnational collaborations for full benefits of the residents of Ghana and our neighbouring countries,” he admonished.
He called on the law enforcement body to incorporate technology as part of its service delivery to the citizens while addressing the graduation ceremony of Cadet Officers Course 51in Accra on Friday.
The Vice President pointed out that with each passing day, the frontiers of crime witness shifts, especially in the nature and complexity of crime, with cybercrime and related attacks rapidly becoming a global concern, therefore, no police organisation could fully meet its vision without the empowering tools of digitisation.
“I am delighted to note that the databases of the Police Service are being linked to the National Identification Authority. This will aid the Criminal Investigation Department and other departments of the Service undertake speedy investigations,” he stated.
Citizens’ role
According to him, while the government was doing its part to resource the police, with the citizens are required to partner the security services to combat crime in their respective communities and the country at large.
“I would like to emphasise the collective roles we all have to play towards building safer communities. As the government does its part and the police also do their part, I would like to entreat every well-meaning Ghanaian to come on board so that together, we can sustain the gains made in ensuring a safe, peaceful and a secure Ghana.
“Let us partner the police in our various communities to police us better. Passing on relevant information on crime and criminal activities to the police is a gesture that can save lives.”
Government’s support
Dr Bawumia assured the public that the government closing in to make the Ghana Police Service a world class Police institution through a continuous provision of the needed infrastructure, resources and motivation necessary to effectively maintain law and order in line with its constitutional mandate.
These efforts, he indicated that are evident in the provision of an additional infrastructure such as lecture/syndicate rooms, ultra-modern auditorium and residential accommodation are being put up at the Police Academy to contain more number of officers admitted to the Academy.
Furthermore, he said “the government even in the face of budgetary constraints recently procured over 2000 motorbikes for the Police to strengthen its on-going crime prevention/visibility operational initiatives within the framework of promoting democratic policing in the country.”
He stressed that 3000 more motor bikes would be procured to augment the existing once for effective policing in various communities across the country.
The Parade
The Vice President saw the passing out of 308 officers who have now been promoted to the ranks of Deputy and Assistant Superintendent of Police respectively.
The reviewing officer charged cadet officers to be proactive and accountable for their actions through living exemplary lives, as law-abiding and being professionals.
“As professionals, always remember to treat people the way you wish yourselves, spouse or children to be treated. Therefore, in enforcing the law, be fair, firm and fearless,” he advised.
He congratulated the officers, particularly, the Overall Best Cadet Officer, Princeton Peasah Darkwa.
