IGP asked senior police officers to use their discretion judiciously

Koforidua Feb. 5 GNA - The lnspector-General of Police, Nana Owusu Nsiah has warned that police officers who fail to use their discretion judiciously in the performance of their duties will be disciplined.

He reminded them that as representatives of the IGP in the regions and the districts they should be proactive, take decisions and initiate programmes, which would not only benefit the Police Service but the entire nation.


Nana Nsiah was addressing a meeting of Senior Police Officers, the media, political party executives, officials of the Electoral Commission and the Clergy drawn from the Eastern Region at Koforidua on Thursday as part of his nation tour of the regions.


The visit is to enable the IGP to interact with Senior Police Officers and the cross section on their role during the forthcoming general elections in December 2004 and to impress on the political parties the need to organize their campaigns in an atmosphere of peace and transquility.


Nana Nsiah appealed to members of the Service to be loyal to the government and the people, adding that with the massive support that had been received from the government through the provision of logistics, "we have no cause to fail this nation."


He reminded the police officers that since this year is an election year, they should exhibit a high sense of professionalism and should not take part in party politics but to maintain law and order efficiently to ensure successful elections.

The IGP called for co-operation between the police and the media to ensure a peaceful elections in December 2004.


He appealed to the press to cross-check their stories with the police administration if they are in doubt According to him, some of the statements on the FM stations in recent times left much to be desired and therefore, advised the media to "use their pen judiciously and responsibly.


Nana Nsiah cautioned political parties to aim at peace and stability during the election, engage in political campaigns in a peaceful atmosphere devoid of rancour and hatred and work together in peace to enable the country to move forward.


He referred the parties to the provision of the Public Order Act, which required for permits for rallies and holding of demonstration and hoped they would abide by the Act.


The IGP asked the Electoral Commission to ensure its credibility to ensure that the forthcoming general elections is conducted fairly and successfully.

Nana Nsiah spoke of efforts being made by the Government to improve the welfare of the personnel of the service through the provision of vehicle, communication equipment, accommodation and uniforms and hoped the personnel would supplement the gesture.


Earlier, the Eastern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Vincent Dzakpata stressed the need for peace before and after the forthcoming elections.


He said the Command has drawn up programmes to intensify its educational campaign of the cross section of the public and the political parties before the elections.


During an open forum, some of the participants expressed concern about the media reportage on issues in recent times, while others stressed the need to intensify the education of the people on the forthcoming voters registration exercise and the elections.