Police warned against commenting on election petition

Commissioner of Police (COP) in charge of General Operations, John Kudalor, has warned police personnel to refrain from expressing opinions on the outcome of the 2012 election petition before the Supreme Court.

“You are to refrain from expressing your opinion about who will emerge the winner since this would be prejudicial.” COP Kudalor issued the caution at a passing out parade of 409 general recruits at the Police Training School in Ho on Thursday.

He said the Ghana Police Service’s good international reputation and its ability to reduce crime should manifest in unraveling the mysteries behind the recent fires at markets.

COP Kudalor said: “We can assure the nation that measures have been put in place to secure the markets and prevent recurrence of the fires”. He told the recruits, who would be on 18 months’ probation, to be ready to "conform to acceptable all-round policing disposition, or quit".

COP Kudalor advised them not to use power unduly to their personal advantage by harassing others and extorting monies from the public.

He advised them to emulate “the many more men and women in the Service, who are highly professional”. COP Kudalor regretted that some junior officers in the Service “use their uniform to either commit armed robbery or aid armed robbers to execute their deadly agenda”.

He also warned the graduating recruits against rape, indiscriminate use of firearms and lack of civility to the public.

COP Kudalor reminded them that the six-month training prepared them mentally and physically for the “arduous, challenging and risky task of law enforcement”.

Areas covered in the training included criminal law, police duties, community policing, human rights and self-defence and drill.

Simon Agbanavor, was adjudged the overall best recruit, and also best in the academic work. Other awardees are Solomon Adonoo, best in drill, Malik Issaka, best in musketry and Nuhu Ibrahim, best in physical training.

The ceremony was attended by Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, Volta Regional Minister, Mr Francis Ganyaglo, Deputy Volta Regional Minister, representatives of security organizations and a crowd of friends and relatives of the recruits.