Police urged to improve upon crime fighting strategies

Accra, Dec 30, GNA - The Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, Mr. Douglas Akrofi Asiedu, says there is the need for the police to adopt better strategies of crime prevention in the coming year. He said although the efforts at tackling crime by the police had yielded good results, that did not "mean resting at all". The Greater Accra Regional Police Commander said this at the 2005 WASSA celebration of the Ghana Police Service on Friday in Accra. Mr Asiedu noted that the year 2005 had been a challenging one with the high incidence of crimes such as armed robbery, rape, car snatching, mobile phone theft and murder.

He noted that the efforts of the security agencies had drastically reduced crime, especially robbery in the country. "I take this opportunity to congratulate the patrol teams, personnel of the Information Room, the Military, the BNI and our credible informants."

The Greater Accra Regional Police Commander urged Police Personnel to be professional and disciplined in the coming year, adding that those who committed acts that tarnished the image of the Police profession would be accordingly dealt with.

He urged members of the public to assist the police with information that could lead to the arrest of criminals, saying, "continue to reach us through 0244-191."

Mr Asiedu commended the Media for their support in the fight against crime, and urged journalists to cross check their facts before publishing them.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Sheikh I.C.Quaye, appealed to the public to cooperate with the police to ensure peace and security. He said the public should desist from acts such as attacking Police Stations.

"I would like to express Government's concern about attacks on Police Stations and personnel, some of which have resulted in fatal injuries. Sheikh Quaye said the police could do a lot more to remove "death threat" vehicles from our roads, and called on organizations and individuals to support the police. He urged the Police Administration to rid the Ghana Police Service of misfits who were bringing the image of the noble institution into disrepute.

Sheikh Quaye donated ten million cedis cash on behalf of the Accra Regional Coordinating Council(RCC) to the Accra Regional Police Command in recognition of their hard work. He said the RCC would coordinate with the Regional Command of Accra and Tema to launch a programme to raise funds and other resources for the Police to enhance their work. A number of police personnel were awarded for their dedication and hard work.