Editorial: To Our Single-Spined Police Man, Please

No More ‘Roja’ On The Road

Last week, the story of jollity in Police barracks across the country, hit the headlines. The huge leap in the take-home salary of our Police officers, was widely discussed, amidst praises on the President John Evans Atta Mills government, for taking the bold and rational decision to reward the Ghanaian worker, satisfactorily.

As our men and women in the Police Service smile all the way to the bank, they must note that the over 250% pay rise, come with huge expectations from members of the general public, whose taxes are being used in such worthy manner.

Police men and women must be seen to be more disciplined in mind and in outlook. Our officers must look smartly dressed, much to the toast of all. Police men and women must be seen smiling to visitors who go to the Police station, requesting for information or to seek assistance.

The stigma attached to Ghana Police Service is gradually eroding, thanks to efforts by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Paul Tawiah Quaye. But the stigma must be cleared-up faster, and now. Demand for token, on the road, must cease from henceforth. Statements like “Master your boys are here o! Boss today is Friday o! Something for your Boys? Some ‘Roja’ for us on the road, Sir!” must be deleted from the lips of our Police men who mount road checks.

We want to see a highly motivated Ghana Police man, because he is paid better. We want to hear of the heroic feet of Police Constables, Corporals and Sergeants who resisted the temptation of bribery and did their uniforms proud. Such stories must now take the place of stories of extortion and blackmail involving Police men.

The Police Commanders who sent boys onto the streets, only to expect envelopes from such junior officers, should desist from that disgraceful conduct. Such senior officers should rather ensure that the junior ranks have increased their vigilance and as a result are cautioning and arresting offending drivers, and intercepting contraband goods.

Junior officers are receiving salaries twice better than their school mates working in the industrial area of Accra and Tema, so the Sergeants, Corporals and Constables deployed to do road checks must not return us to the days of demanding for something small, because of meagre salaries.

The President’s decision to pay personnel in the Police service, the single spine salary, before any other institution in the country, is an ample testimony of the government’s commitment to adequately empower the Ghana Police Service, so as to ensure the enforcement of law and order.

Our peace officers cannot afford to disappoint the President and his government, who have reposed such huge confidence in them. The air of change is blowing through Ghana Police. The strategic plans initiated by IGP, Mr. Paul Tawiah Quaye points to a new era of policing. Twenty First Century policing has come to us. So The Informer is joining the millions who are expecting a positive change in the way and manner Police men and women discharge their duties.

We expect that the Police Service will rise up to the occasion and win the battle against criminal activities in the metropolis. A highly motivated Police Service must produce for Ghanaians, more crime busters like the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kofi Boakye: the Police man whose name intimidates criminals and his presence calms nerves of demonstrators.

The success story from Kumasi, where Deputy Commissioner (DCoP) Patrick Timbilla, has taken the fight against crime, to the hide-outs of armed robbers, should be replicated all over the regions. We at The Informer and many or our colleagues want to publish stories of District Commanders who have sharpened their skills and are adopting ingenious strategies to outwit criminals and bring such miscreants to book.

We pray that more Police women will receive inspiration from the success story of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCoP) Rose Bio-Attinga, whose administration of the capital city has to a large extent, renewed confidence in the Police’s ability to ensure peace and security. The junior rank Police woman in Bodwesangu must work harder and aspire to outperform her male colleagues and by so doing bring respect to the uniform.

Let the Pace Officer on Single Spine give three ‘ahuwa’ in agreement to change for a Better Ghana. Bosah-Bosah-Bosah!!!

End!