Open letter to the IGP

Ghanaians were delighted when the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) met his commanders in Kumasi two weeks ago where he sent a clear and succinct message that they have to be ruthless in the application of the law, especially on vigilante groups who are causing havoc in society.

The clarion call is in line with the mandate of the police, which is: “To protect and preserve internal security of the country through law enforcement”.  But as citizens, are we convinced about the performance of the police? Your guess is as good as mine.

As allies of the police, we expect that they will allow citizens to help them in the discharge of their key functions, which are:

• Prevention and detection of crime
• Apprehension and prosecution of offenders
• Maintenance of law and order
• Protection of life and property

Victim

Unfortunately, the police are victims of their own mandate and key functions. I would want to cite instances where the police have not lived up to expectation.

The department responsible for the enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulations (Act 683), the Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD), has woefully failed from the perspective of majority of Ghanaians because of their unprofessional behaviour.

We have a lot of rickety vehicles on our roads which pose great danger to passengers and motorists, but all of them have roadworthiness certificates (majority of which are fake).

The MTTD personnel are very much aware of the risk but most often, we see them being compromised, thereby emboldening law breakers.

‘Okadas’, which have been outlawed according to Part 4 Section 128 of the road traffic regulations, operate with impunity damaging vehicles on the road and maiming innocent victims, all in the full glare of MTTD personnel.

These okada riders, who usually work with unregistered motorbikes do not respect road traffic regulations. They ride without crash helmets, carry more than a pillion, ride through red traffic lights, at the opposite direction of traffic and on pavements, and block traffic to allow right of way of their own. Shockingly, they are patronised by police officers and majority are without valid riding licences.

The road traffic regulation does not allow sale of wares on pedestrian walkways and on the streets but what do we see, especially at the central business area of Accra, Kaneshie, Abeka-Lapaz among other areas? It is chaotic and a nuisance to motorists. A journey that should take you just minutes takes hours to make.

MTTD

Surprisingly, the head office of the MTTD in Accra is engulfed by hawkers and petty traders selling on the streets, and the Commander, District Commissioner Of Police (DCOP) Alex Amponsah Asiamah, is not bringing them to order.

 I really sympathise with businesses in those locations - Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the National Investment Bank (NIB), the GCB Bank, the Ghana Railways, the Universal Merchant Bank, Swanzy Shopping Arcade among others. I can imagine the frustrations their customers go through to transact business with them.

I recall early this year, the police issued a press statement warning motorists who were in the habit of using sirens in order to have their way in traffic. As usual, the warnings have been flouted and the police have refused to act.

Reckless driving

Personnel of the MTTD have also refused to act against reckless driving in the city, especially motorists who drive on the shoulders of the road, government officials who drive through traffic with their hazard lights on and jumping of red lights by all manner of persons.

Another area of concern is the way some unscrupulous persons ease themselves in public places. Last Thursday while driving home on the Prof. Busia Highway, just when I got to the Kaneshie Market, I saw a man urinating on the street in the full glare of a policeman. I drew his attention only to receive the vulgar response “fuck you”. I was shocked, but only had to console myself that that is the Ghana Police for you.

Experience

My other experience was a month ago when I was travelling to Kwahu on the Kumasi Highway and before I got to Suhum, a team of highway police officers stopped my car and showed a speed gun that read 71 kilometres. A police officer stepped out and told me I was  speeding. I replied that according to the traffic regulations, highway speed should not be more than 90km; 50km when driving through a town and 100km on a motorway. She realised I was right and told me to give her something, which I refused.

I will like to quote two of the five core values of the Ghana Police Service to conclude my letter.

• Demonstration of professionalism through vigilance, fortitude, integrity, accountability and pride of work.
• Encouraging positive interaction with the public to promote public safety and understanding.

I believe these core values should reflect in all facets of police operations and the flawless execution of the laws.

Mr IGP, unfortunately your subordinates are not living up to expectation, especially the MTTD. The commander has not demonstrated the required competence and fortitude to curb all the issues elucidated above.

We need a disciplined society and we expect the police to do better.