Police to remain on the ground; post-ruling strategy initiated

Public Affairs Director of the Police Service, DSP Cephas Arthur, has revealed the police will still maintain visibility at key areas to ensure no untoward event mars the peace of the country - a day after the Supreme Court delivered its ruling on the election petition case.

Describing the work of the police on Thursday August 29, as "fantastic", DSP Arthur, however, admitted the task ahead of them, post Supreme Court ruling was daunting.


Speaking to Bernard Nasara Saibu on the Super Morning Show on Friday, the Police Public Affairs Director said the Police Administration has put in place a comprehensive security arrangement to forestall any problems that may rear its head.


There were recurrent admonishing and messages of peace by various institutions in the run up to the ruling on Thursday, in response to speculations that the country will be thrown into chaos after the ruling.


But as at the end of Thursday August 29, when the Supreme Court delivered its final ruling on the 8-month long election petition, there were no reports of conflict in any part of the country - revealed DSP Arthur.


"We can clap for ourselves and pat ourselves in the back," he told the public and the media.

He said the Police will not withdraw immediately as the country moves into what he described as "post-verdict stage".


According to him, this stage is a "crucial stage because anything can happen."


"We have already started revising our strategy," he told Bernard.


He did not specify how long the Police would be on the ground, but noted the Police would be positioned at key points until they are convinced there is no threat of violence.


Police must team up with media Emmanuel Sowatey, a Security Expert, commended the Police but noted the media equally did a good job with regulation and moderating calls and contributions on their networks.

"So far so good" was his assessment of Police performance but suggested the setting up of a security management team that involves the media.


Speaking to Bernard Nasara Saibu on the Show, he also charged the Police to watch out for how people are jubilating, how they are mobilising and which people are mobilising them.


In his view, "if we don't have any significant development, they [Police] can be visible for 60 days after [the ruling]."


He further noted that the Police Service, given the opportunity, has the ability to perform its duty adequately without the assistance of the Military.


According to Emmanuel Sowatey, that was a good confidence booster for the service.