New association for retired police officers inaugurated

Accra, 22nd May 99 -

The Association of Retired Senior Police Officers (ARSPO) and the

Ghana Ex-Police Officers Association on Saturday merged to form the National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO).

The main objectives of the new association is to foster co-operation and close relationship between serving and retired members of the police service, as well as see to the welfare of its members.

Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, Chairman of the Council of State who inaugurated NARPO urged members to guard against "intimidation and unwarranted criticism which are likely to be provocative or inflame passions".

"I caution tolerance and moderation in our utterances - whether by writing or mouth - so as to enable the country maintain a lasting democracy for the present generation and posterity.

" What Ghana needs is peace and stability to provide the citizens with much needed social and economic development."

Alhaji Bawumia appealed to retired police officers to make themselves available for appointment to the community tribunals.

"Through your long exposure to the law and the combating of crime, you have acquired enormous experience as adjudicators, and your willingness to serve on the community tribunals will help to promote justice in the country", he added.

The association, Alhaji Bawumia said, should also impress upon its members the need to be instrumental in the formation and efficient conduct of community watchdogs to augment government's effort to control crime.

Mr Peter T. Nanfuri, Inspector-General of Police, said the coming into being of NARPO has fulfilled the long-cherished dream of the police administration to have one national association of retired police officers and men irrespective of rank.

Mr Nanfuri expressed the hope that the new association will remove the "unprofitable rivalry" which, he said, had hitherto characterised the relationship of the two former groups.

He appealed to members of the association to use their professional experience to assist the country's crime-fighting crusade.

"What is needed most is crime intelligence, information gathering and education of members of the public to offer co-operation, support and goodwill to the police at all times."

Mr C.K. Dewornu, a former IGP and national president of NARPO, said the new association has branches throughout all districts in the country and urged all retired officers and men to join (it) for their own benefit.

He said the association has entered into a joint economic partnership with Dan Multi-Purpose Limited, to operate a weekly lotto.

"This lotto business has been the major source of the association's financial support," he said.

The association, Mr Dewornu said, has also established a company under the name, Ecilop Company Limited, which engages in economic ventures to help boost the association's financial standing.

He called on members to assist the government in the fight against crime and the maintenance of law and order, as well as contribute to the development of their local communities.

GRi