Security during Christmas a shared responsibility – IGP to Ghanaians

With Christmas just around the corner, the Ghana Police Service says it has put in place pragmatic measures to ensure the safety and security of Ghanaians before, during and after the festive period.

These measures which according to the Inspector General of Police Asante Apeatu includes an increase in police visibility on the roads, in the churches, at the beaches and recreational centres will ensure an incident-free celebration.

Addressing the nation in his Christmas message, the IGP said it is important for Ghanaians to identify and play their role when it comes to security since it is a shared responsibility.

According to him, although the service is teaming up with other security agencies and institutions to beef up security, citizens must be vigilant in their daily activities.

“The police can only be successful in the prevention of crime if the citizenry and non- Ghanaians visiting or non-residents support the police in crime prevention and detection by providing information to the police. I want to assure Ghanaians of our commitment to ensuring that you go through the Christmas and New Year festivity without any major security challenges. Whilst the police with support from other security agencies will put their best feet forward to ensure the safety of the person in the country, security begins with you as a person, group, neighbour, family and a good citizen.”

Lamenting on several reports of accidents associated with the season, Mr. Apeatu further admonished motorists and other road users to be cautious so as to avoid road accidents.

“It is important for passengers in commercial vehicles not to put pressure on drivers to over speed so they can get to their destination. People moving from the rural areas to the city must also plan their journey carefully so they are not duped by fraudsters”, he added.

The Christmas festivity in Ghana is marked with various activities and programmes with most people taking advantage of the break to spend quality time with families, friends and loved ones.

It is also common for some areas to experience massive traffic, a situation that has been greatly condemned by road users. But addressing the issue, IGP Asante Apeatu said, personnel from his outlet have been dispatched to highways and vantage points to improve the situation.