Serial killing is an embarrassment to security service

Commissioner of Police in charge of Training and Welfare at the Police Headquarters, Mrs Jane Donkor, on Thursday said the continuing mysterious murders of women, particularly in Accra and other major cities, is an embarrassment to the Police Administration and other security agencies.

She said: "The Police Administration, in collaboration with other security services, has adopted appropriate measures to disentangle itself from the embarrassment that such nation wreckers are causing us."

Mrs Donkor made the remark during a roundtable discussion held between 17 senior women police officers and the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Gladys Asmah, in Accra.

They were from the Criminal Investigation Department, Fraud Squad, Tema Regional Headquarters, Women and Juvenile Units, Police Hospital, Police Depot, Kaneshie Depot and Tema Court.

The officers suggested that women should adopt extra precautionary measures to avoid falling in the traps of the killers. They must adhere to instructions on safety, including what, where and whom they eat or drink with. They should avoid people who pretend to be strangers and ask for directions.

The Police officers also appealed to organisations and institutions, which run the shift system to consider removing women employees from the night shift.

The Senior Police officers called on the media, Ghana Private Road Transport Union, vehicle owners, hotels and night club operators to help expose the perpetrators.

They called on men to be more protective of their wives, daughters, sisters and mothers. The officers commended Radio GAR for its public education on safety measures for women and appealed to other FM stations to emulate. The officers reiterated the call to the public to volunteer information to the police and assured such informants of their safety.

Mrs Asmah said the government is taking steps to provide the police with logistics to enhance their efficiency and capabilities.

She, however, called for intensification of public education on safety measures by women in the local languages.

Mrs Asmah also advised women to be wary of fake pastors "who may be wolves in sheep skin".