SOME ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE SECURITY SECTOR Government the last few years has intensified its efforts at positioning the country’s security agencies to adequately respond the contemporary security challenges. Government has done this through the biggest retooling of the security agencies in recent Ghanaian history. Below are highlights of some of the interventions government has made to equip the police and some of the success chalked since 2009. POLICE 1. VEHICLES A total of 1,424 vehicles have been procured for the Ghana Police Service by the NDC government since 2009. Out of this number 1,089 high performance vehicles were procured for them between 2012 to date significantly contributing to the effective policing of the 2012 elections which is by far the most peaceful election organized under the Fourth Republic This is against 547 that were bought for them between 2001 and 2008.Also 14 maverick vehicles have been brought to enhance their work. 2. IMPROVEMENT IN POLICE– POPULATION RATION (PPR) Currently the numerical strength of the Police Service has moved from 23,204 in 2012 to 30,635 in 2013 resulting in a current Police-Populati on Ratio of 1:784 as against 1:1,100 in 2010.This has as brought us closer to the United Nations’ benchmark of 1:500 (PPR) It has also led to an increase in Police visibility and accessibility which is key in crime detection, prevention and control. As a consequence major crimes reduced from 234,242 in 2010 to 228,653 in 2012.This downward trend is expected to continue in 2013. 3. MARINE POLICE For the first time in Ghana’s history a Marine Police Unit has been set up to police the country’s territorial waters. They have been equipped with six modern speed boats for this purpose. 4. POLICE HOSPITAL Construction has resumed on the Police Hospital Expansion project by the International Hospital Group (IHG) 5. OTHER LOGISTICS Apart from the above, logistics such as bullet proof vests, riot control gear and two modern mobile clinic vans have been procured for the police. The Police Service also now boasts of an ultra-modern forensic laboratory equipped with the appropriate facilities and vehicles for crime scene investigations among others. FIRE SERVICE The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has taken delivery of 152 new firefighting vehicles in 2012being the first part a total consignment of 227 new firefighting vehicles and equipment procured by government. This represents a vast improvement over the 95 firefighting vehicles that were procured for them between 2001 and 2008, a situation that adversely affected their ability to effectively respond to fire outbreaks in the country. The GNFS will soon take delivery of another 85 Firefighting vehicles to augment their fleet following the completion of all negotiations and financial arrangements. GHANA ARMED FORCES The Army, Airforce and Navy have all benefitted from a comprehensive retooling program. The Airforce has taken delivery of a fleet of modern aircraft enabling them to better perform their function of protecting the country’s airspace. The Army has also received more equipment to enhance their operations. The Navy has also taken delivery of modern Ships and vessels which has boosted their capacity to defend the country by sea. GHANA IMMIGRATION SERVICE (GIS) The operations of the Border Patrol Unit (BPU) of GIS have been enhanced by the installation of border Surveillance Systems (CCTV and WIFI Systems) at 15 out of 17 strategically selected Border Control Points throughout the country.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 16:20:49 +0000
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