President Akufo-Addo Appeals To Police To Be Neutral And Professional

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appealed to Ghana Police to remain neutral and Professional in the discharge of their duties.

He said he did not want the officers to be appendages of his government.

President Akufo-Addo asked the security forces to recognise the crucial role they play in ensuring the safety of the public.

President Akufo-Addo was speaking at this year’s West Africa Security Services Association (WASSA) get-together in Accra.
The President acknowledged the low workforce in the country and promised to improve their capacity.

“In a democracy, the organisations that are generally referred to as constituting the security services, such as the police, are expected to be politically neutral in performing their duties. The law states so and normal practice gives them this neutral outlook. It is in everybody’s interest that the Police Service retains the neutrality and professionalism guaranteed under the Constitution. Governments have term limits and in a multi-party democracy, parties win and lose power.” He said.

“It is good for the health of the nation that this is so, and this is why the Police Service should not be made to tie their well-being or otherwise to the fortunes of the ruling party of the day. As President, and together with the leadership of the Police Service, we will ensure that you are left to focus on your core mandate and not to be an appendage of my government. I envisage a Police Service that goes about its duty of protecting ordinary citizens confident that there will be no interference from the powers that be,” President Akufo-Addo added.

He also assured them of a vigorous and well-planned recruitment program which will be rolled out to ensure that the Ghana Police service meets the UN recommended ratio.

For his part, the Acting Inspector General of Police, (IGP), David Asante-Apeatu, said he and his team, like the President, were in a hurry to build a world class Police service.

The renowned music maestro Amakye Dede entertained the audience to his mega music.

GBC