The Japanese government has donated a $2.73 million worth of vehicles and other communication gadgets to the Ghana Police Service.
The donation which comes on the back of boosting the long-standing relationship between Ghana and Japan was done in Accra on Wednesday, February 13, 2019.
Speaking at a short ceremony held to exchange notes between the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Tsutomu Himeno and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Mr. Himeno said, the grant is to enable the government of Ghana to procure transports and surveillance cars as well as radio system for the Ghana police service
“The government of Japan has provided the Non-Project Grant Aid which is now Economic and social development programme in response to the request from the government of Ghana to assist their effort to enhance the economic and social development of the country,” he said
According to him, the equipments are expected to be used to maintain Ghanaian security and is accepted to contribute to strengthening the police agenda of the Ghana Police Service.
“ I hope the equipment will be properly maintained and effectively utilized,” he said
On her part, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said, the gesture will help the police in monitoring and combating crime
“There is no doubt that mobility and effective communication systems are two of the most important aspects of modern and effective policing, this gesture will provide the Ghana Police Service with the much-needed communication gadgets and vehicles that would complement the efforts of the government of Ghana to transform and retool the service,” she said.
Explaining further, she said, the grant would undoubtedly help position the Police to discharge their duties effectively.