IGP leads police delegation to foster closer relationship with churches

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, together with Senior Police Officers at various Command levels nationwide, yesterday joined some congregations in worship in all the regions.

The initiative formed part of the Ghana Police Service’s new strategy to build closer relationships with the general public and get them to understand that the police were part of the community.

Also, the visit was to acknowledge the leadership of the various churches and their congregations, as well as all Ghanaians, for their contribution towards maintaining law and order from the beginning of the election period to date.  

It was also to assure them of the police’s professionalism as the nation prepares for the general election on December 7.

Again, it was an opportunity for the Police Service to congregate across the country to thank and glorify God for His goodness and mercy towards Ghana as a nation. 

Churches, message

Some of the churches the IGP and his team visited included the Dr Thomas Wyatt Memorial Temple of the Church of Pentecost, Accra Newtown; the Kpehe Society of the Methodist Church Ghana, the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka; the Assemblies of God Church, Ridgeway Gospel Centre; Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Ebenezer Congregation, Osu, and the Accra Police Church.

Dr Akuffo-Dampare shared similar messages with each of the congregations his entourage visited.

Reflecting on God’s blessings, he noted: "If we were to take our time and count our many blessings and name them one by one, we would be very surprised at how far God has brought us as a country and as a people, for which we have to be eternally grateful.

"The way we have allowed ourselves to be used as vessels by the good Lord in conducting ourselves in a manner that has led to a situation where so far, with all the election processes, we have not heard anything disturbing from the security point of view, is remarkable and commendable,” Dr Akuffo-Dampare emphasised.  

Prayer with action

The IGP also called on the Church and all  Ghanaians to partner the police by acting as their eyes and ears, by sharing information that had the potential to threaten the peace and security of the nation.

He further urged Christians to back their prayers with action, reminding them that prayer without action was meaningless.

"Our prayers should be backed by actions; other than that, it is meaningless. Dedicate yourselves for God to use you to answer your prayers," he advised.  

Peaceful process

Dr Akuffo-Dampare assured the churches that the police were fully prepared and ready to ensure a peaceful process.

Drawing on the analogy of churches conducting their elections peacefully, the IGP encouraged Ghanaians to vote for the party of their choice and afterwards rally behind the Ghana Flag.

"The Ghana Flag is a symbol of our nationality, patriotism and unity. Let it remind us of our responsibility to be vessels for God to use, ensuring peace, security, law and order, so future generations will commend us for not disappointing them," he concluded.