Okponglo neighbourhood watch committee inaugurated

A 20-member neighbourhood watch committee has been inaugurated to serve the Okponglo community, near Legon, with a call on the public, especially the youth, to desist from causing trouble during the upcoming general election. 

The members of the Okponglo Neighbourhood Watch Committee, who would work on a voluntary basis, swore an oath of office to assist the police in combating crime. They also committed themselves to eschewing any act that would dent the image of the committee.

The inauguration of the committee formed part of efforts to give meaning to community policing which was introduced in Ghana in August, 2011, to empower citizens to contribute towards safety in their communities.

Inaugurating the committee, the Director of the Community Policing Department, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mrs Habiba Twumasi-Sarpong, urged the youth to support the security agencies in fighting crime and exposing all detractors as Ghana prepared to go to the polls in November, this year.

The youth, she said, should not be influenced to foment trouble before, during and after this year’s general election.

She entreated the youth not to engage in political violence during this year’s elections but promote peace in their daily activities. 

“We must all ensure there is peace before and during this year’s elections to ensure the continuous stability of the nation,” she added.

Advice

Mrs Twumasi-Sarpong advised the members not to consider themselves as police officers and perform the duties of the police.

She said community policing was a strategy that had proven to be effective and successful all over the world, especially the neighbourhood watch initiative.

Mrs Twumasi-Sarpong said most crimes were committed in the communities and that collaboration between the public and the police was needed to ensure a crime-free environment.

The man who initiated the neighbourhood watch committee, Alhaji Issa Kamarah, said the objective was to curb the high incidence of crime in the area.

He said though burglary had been on the rise in the community, it was common knowledge that the criminals lived in the community and, therefore, there was the need to provide information to the appropriate authorities to ensure their arrest.

He said the committee members would represent the eyes, noses and ears of the police for effective and efficient security in the area.

Writer’s email: emelia.ennin@graphic.com.gh