Greater Accra Regional Security holds Forum in Tema

Tema, Dec 23, GNA- Mr. Paul Tawiah Quaye, the Inspector General of Police, has appealed to Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies t= o partner the police to combat crime in the country.

Speaking at the Greater Accra Regional Security Forum in Tema on Tuesday, Mr. Quaye said improved police strategies, including the intelligence-led operations and reward for informants, had contributed significantly to the arrest of notorious armed robbers. He said in 2008, the Accra/Tema Police Regions recorded 850 robberie= s, but a comparatively lesser number of 513 were recorded in 2009. A total of 335 suspected armed robbers were arrested in the Region whilst a few died during confrontations with the police. Mr. Quaye blamed the delays on the part of the police in responding t= o calls from victims of violence on poor street identification and naming, coupled with inconsistencies in the numbering of the houses. He said the police, in collaboration with telecommunication networks,=

had made available hotlines to assist the public and the police.

Nii Armah Ashietey, the Greater-Accra Regional Minister, donated GH¢3,000 to the Tema Regional Police Command in appreciation of the goo= d work they were doing. He appealed to the assemblies not only to ensure that their jurisdictions were kept and protected but to also provide the police with=

logistics. Nii Ashietey said government would organise capacity building programmes for security personnel to update their knowledge and sharpen their professional skills. Mr. Kempes Ofosuware, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, said Tem= a, the industrial hub of the country, had a lot of assets and facilities of national importance which needed to be protected. He called on the various security services, including the Ghana Polic= e Service, and the Army, as well as the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority,= to ensure peace and security within the Metropolis.