Western Region records low accident cases

Takoradi, Jan. 9, GNA - The Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service realised 119.1 million cedis through court fines for the Government last year. Mr Kofi Duku Arthur, Western Regional Commander of the Service, announced this at the 2005 WASSA of the Police Service at Takoradi at the weekend. He said through the efforts of the MTTU and the Regional Road Safety Commission, there had been a drastic reduction in road accidents in the Region. Mr Arthur said 748 accidents were recorded in 2004 while 581 was reported in 2005, a reduction of 28 per cent.

The Commander, who is also a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), said a Drug and Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) within the Service had been established at the Takoradi District of the Service to check and flush out drug peddlers in the Region. He said a similar one would be established at the Tarkwa Division. "Fifty-seven drug related cases were recorded in 2003, 50 in 2004 and 47 in 2005" he said. DCOP Arthur said the Command had established a Regional Police Band to take care of the recreational activities for the Police and the public. "It is hoped that the band would forge a cordial relationship between the Police and the public," he said.

Mr Arthur hinted that the Police Headquarters was considering establishing a Regional Police Training School in the Shama Ahanta East Metropolis of the Western Region, for the training of recruits. He advised the personnel to abide by the code of conduct of the Service and to perform their duties professionally. Mr Arthur, however, cautioned that deviant Policemen whose acts would tarnish the image of the Police would be dealt with accordingly. He commended the various security organisations in the Region for their collaborative efforts in ensuring peace within the Region. Mr David Yaro, Regional Coordinating Director, urged the Police to work closely with their civilian counterparts to ensure peace in the area. He asked officers and men of the Ghana Police Service not to allow selfish and self-seeking politicians to use them to derail the democratic process of the country.