Police warn against attacking personnel

Kumasi, Jan 5, GNA - The Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Administration has asked the public to dispel the notion and perception that the police have no right to self-defence when attacked.

The Unit has therefore, warned that anyone who attacks any policeman or woman in the discharge of his or her lawful duty does so at his or her own risk.

A statement issued in Kumasi on Thursday on 'Rowdyism and Lawlessness' and signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jordan Quaye, said the Public Affairs Unit of the Regional Police Administration has observed that when any group of workers, students, drivers and all manner of associations engage in deadlocks during meetings, they resort to acts to disturb the public peace. They then resort to vandalism, wanton destruction of people's property, lawlessness and attacks on innocent people.

The statement said when police intervene to disperse them or restore order, they turn against the peace officers and attack them for no apparent reason.

The police therefore advised associations, groups, unions and students to desist from any attempt to attack peace officers who arrive at such scenes to restore order or have themselves to blame.

The statement said police personnel irrespective of exhibiting high level of tolerance, professionalism, patience and circumspection they as well need to protect themselves, government and property of innocent persons through judicious use of lawful and justifiable force. What the police need, it said, is peaceful co-operation and a serene co-existence to develop the Ashanti region.