Police Service deny boycotting one-year commemoration of Ayawaso West violence

The Greater Accra Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service has denied suggestions that it did not provide security for the One Year Commemorative Durbar of the Ayawaso West Wuogon By-Election Violence.

In a press release dated today February 1, 2020 and signed by DSP Efia Tenge of the Public Affairs Unit, the police service said “it wishes to register for a fact that it provided adequate security coverage for the One Year Commemorative Durbar of the Ayawaso West Wuogon By-Election Violence, held yesterday 31st January 2020.”

The release stated that as a measure to ward of “criminal elements who may take advantage to foment trouble and ensure adequate security before, during and after the event,” teams from the Regional Operations Counter Terrorism unit and SWAT within the jurisdiction, as well as personals from the Criminal Investigation Department, Operations Calm Life (Police and Military collaboration) and officers of the Motor and Traffic Transport Unit coordinated to provide security for the event.

The release further states that “a ten–member military standby force was positioned at a tactical location to offer the needed assistance when and where necessary.”

The Regional Command in the release reassured all political parties and the general public that it will continue to remain impartial in the delivery of its constitutional mandate of providing security for all and sundry.

Before the ceremony yesterday, a wire message alleged to have been sent out from the Greater Accra Regional Command, warned officers of the police service within the jurisdiction to refrain from providing security for the event and to disassociate themselves from the event or risk “severe sanctions.”

Former President John Mahama who addressed the ceremony yesterday after reading a copy of the alleged wire message said it goes to show the “personalisation of state institutions” under the current Akufo-Addo led administration.

The former President who is the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the upcoming December Presidential Elections, added that he will ensure a reform of the police service should he be voted president on December 7.

“I feel very sad, but I promise that we will take action when we come into office, to instill the confidence of the people of Ghana in the police service.” He hinted