IGP outlines security plans

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. James Oppong Boanuh has assured the general public that concrete steps have been taken to ensure the safety and security of all during the yuletide and beyond.

Among the steps, he said, is the strategic deployment of policemen and women to increase their visibility, effectively manage traffic and ensure law and order and guarantee the safety and security of residents, before, during and after the Christmas and New Year festivities.

The IGP was speaking at a forum organized by the Graphic Communications Group Limited at its head office in Accra to climax a six-month safety and security campaign.

Mr. James Oppong Boanuh said 15,000 uniformed and plain clothed policemen have been deployed to various vantage points, particularly crime prone areas to maintain law and order. He said the police have increased day-and-night patrols, increased public community engagement, sensitization on security matters and deployed some technological devices to enhance information gathering.

He said the police have also stepped up traffic management, intelligence led operations, snap checks and highway patrols.

The IGP said however that these interventions can only be effective if the police service receives the needed support from the general public.

“Bear in mind that effective crime prevention and detection is anchored on a shared responsibility between the police and the public it serves. We can only be successful in this successful effort if we receive reliable information from the general public.

The IGP further assured that the police were committed to ensuring the public celebrates the yuletide without any major security drawbacks.

He said while the police, with the support of the other sister security agencies strive to guarantee the safety and security of everyone, “It is important to note that personal security is the fundamental responsibility of every individual. Be alert and conscious of events and happenings in your neighbourhood. Be each other’s keeper and report every suspicious criminal activity to the police for prompt action.

According to the IGP, the yuletide season is usually characterized by mass movement of people, increased economic activity, religious gatherings and an array of social events. Others such as heavy vehicular traffic, road crashes due to drunk driving and other road violations, increased criminal activities such as robbery, narcotic drug trafficking, theft, pickpocketing, assault, public nuisance and other fraudulent activities, all of which tend to have a negative impact on the celebration of the yuletide festivities and with dire consequences for life and property.