Government to resource the Police

Accra, Feb. 8, – President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured that Government will give the Police the resources they need to do their job.

    

He said an initial amount of GH¢800 million was being made available to procure and supply, within the next six months, critical, modern policing equipment and gadgets to enhance the capacity of the police to enforce law and order, including 1,000 vehicles, motorbikes and ammunition.

    

He noted that, already, the successful renegotiation of existing contracts had enabled the Government to purchase 100 vehicles for the Police.

    

President Akufo-Addo made the announcement in his second State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday, in Accra.

    

“The police, the prosecution services and the judiciary owe it to all of us to make us feel and be safe,” he said.

    

“I do not need to repeat that crime wears no political colours, and I am certain that message has gone down to all. The law enforcement agencies will crack down very hard on all those, who would disturb the peace of our nation,” he added.

     

He noted that in the medium to long-term, Government would purchase drones and helicopters to assist the police combat violent and environmental crime.

    

He said the crime laboratories would be modernised, and properly equipped to provide the necessary support.

    

President Akufo-Addo said the police intelligence unit would also be strengthened; stating that, the perennial problems associated with police accommodation would be tackled, and a compensation package introduced to cover officers in their line of duty.

    

“We shall not allow miscreants of any sort to terrorize our population; and I promise that there will be no hiding place for criminals,” he said.

    

“I am certain that the interventions we are introducing will boost morale in the service, and I urge the House and all citizens to support the police to deliver the service we deserve.”

    

On the military the President said: "We are beginning to address the problems of our Armed Forces. I am happy to report that work has started on the Barracks Regeneration Programme"

    

He noted that, the acute accommodation problems that face the security agencies were now being tackled.

    

"It is vital that all of us give maximum support to the noble and brave men and women of our security services, involved in Operation Calm Life, Operation Vanguard, and Operation Cow Leg, aimed at   guaranteeing the safety of our people, the integrity of our environment, and the peace of our nation," President Akufo-Addo said.

GNA