Improved compensation package for police

The government has announced an improved compensation package for the families of police personnel who either got injured or lost their lives in the line of duty since 2002.

Although the details of the package were not disclosed, an amount of GH¢185,374.85 has been released to the family of the late Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Emmanuel Ashilevi, who died from a bullet wound during a cell break earlier this year at the Kwabenya District Police station.

Until his death, Mr Ashilevi held the position of a Chief Inspector of Police but was posthumously promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent on the directive of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Announcing the reviewed compensation arrangement at his funeral last Saturday in Accra, the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, said the government had made it a priority to improve and sustain the general welfare of the officers and men of the Ghana Police Service.

He indicated that the compensation package covered all personnel who died between 2002 till date and had not been paid appropriately.

“All compensation payments being made to all the 122 affected personnel or their families are expected to be completed by the end of March this year,” he stated.

Apart from the basic amount, information available to the Daily Graphic indicates that the total quantum of the money each officer would receive would be based on one’s rank and number of years in the service.

In the past, the average compensation amount given to fallen personnel was GH¢500.

Sorrowful atmosphere

The atmosphere at the funeral grounds was that of pain as tears dropped from the eyes of both relatives and some police officers, especially those who were close to the deceased.

Present at the event were government officials and top police officers, including the Minister of the Interior, Mr Ambrose Dery, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr David Asante-Apeatu.

Government priority

Dr Bawumia said the government had made it a priority to guard the policemen and women who worked diligently to protect the lives and properties of Ghanaians and other nationals living in Ghana.

He mentioned the government’s resolve to improve and sustain the general welfare of all police personnel in their effort to fight crime.

He also stressed the government’s determination to adequately resource the police administration and empower it in the delivery of its mandate.

He eulogised the late police officer, describing him as “a good policeman. He died in the line of duty. He died protecting the people of Ghana. We’ve seen many such unfortunate incidents that have led to the loss of lives and maiming of innocent police officers such as Chief Inspector Emmanuel Kwaku Ashilevi, and they are of grave concern to the President and the Government of Ghana”.

Remain steadfast

The President of the Apostolic Church of Ghana, Apostle Peter Okoe Mankralo, in his sermon, stressed the need for Christians to live a life of selflessness and unity.

He said the late Ashilevi had enormous love for people, regardless of their background, culture or ethnicity, adding that “God has great respect for such individuals.”