Forensic laboratory in coma

The country’s Forensic Laboratory is in coma, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Nana Owusu-Nsiah has revealed. “It is in coma now and needs total medicine to recover,” he added.

Speaking to The Evening News in Accra, the chief law enforcer hinted that “the Forensic Laboratory has virtually collapsed and needs serious treatment in order to work effectively and efficiently.” He said that the country’s scientific investigative centre which tests leaves, narcotics and other substances needed “a physician” to examine the ills so that it could function well.

Outlining other areas of reform in the Police Service, Nana Owusu-Nsiah disclosed that this year, the service would tackle the problem of accommodation which he noted had not been the best. The IGP mentioned communication equipment and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as other areas that would be improved.

The Police Service, he said, would be computerised so that information could be easily accessed from all the country’s police stations. “This is to ensure that information is also readily available at all time.”

On training, Nana Owusu-Nsiah said the service was determined to improve upon the efficiency of personnel so that they would be abreast with modern trends and skills. In this regard, more programmes would be organised for personnel periodically.

Concerning the present training programme which trains personnel to be deployed on UN peacekeeping missions, organised by the British High Commission, Nana Owusu-Nsiah said it was aimed at promoting the sharing of ideas among personnel in the sub-region.

The IGP said participants also shared practical experiences which would enrich their cultural awareness. According to him, the participants needed those experiences so that they could work in countries like East Timor and Sierra Leone. It was also to ensure good working relations, Nana Owusu-Nsiah said.

Earlier in his address to close the course for regional police, “train the trainers course”, the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Kwadwo Asiedu Afram, said training was considered as one of the most critical elements in the life of any institution. “Through training one is able to acquire the skills necessary for the performance of one’s duties,” he stressed.

The Deputy Minister announced that discussions were ongoing for the training of traners who would shape the minds of recruits into the Ghana Police Service.

On his part, the British High Commissioner, Dr Rod Pullen, said the course was the sixth of the Civil Police (CIVPOL) Training Courses. He said the CIVPOL courses followed a report on United Nations Peace Operations by a Senior UN Official, Brahimi.

According to the High Commissioner, the “Brahim” report highlighted among others, the importance of member states to cooperate on regional training initiatives.