Police-population ratio in Ghana is 1:777

• Posted on February 16, 2015
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The Interior Minister, Mr Mark Owen Woyongo, has revealed that Ghana’s Police- Population ratio stands at 1:777, which does not meet the United Nations’ Police-Population ratio of 1:500.

“Though Ghana’s Police-Population ratio is a far outcry of what the UN recommends, government has shown commitment to strengthen the manpower base through the recruitment over 4,000 personnel, some of whom are still under training,” he stressed.

The Interior Minister revealed this at the 2015 annual West African Security Services Social Activities (WASSA) held at the Police Headquarters last Friday.

Addressing the police personnel in a relaxed atmosphere, Mr Woyongo charged personnel to be diligent and professional in the discharge of their duties to dispel all negative perceptions about the service.

“The public is yearning for a Police Service which answers their needs, a service which operates with the ethics of open ease and fairness and a service which reaches out to those who are marginalised, especially the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged,” he reiterated.

He commended the Police Administration for rolling out the Police Public Confidence Campaign to restore the image of the service.

Speaking about the past year, Mr Woyongo stated that though it was an eventful year, the competencies of the police in law enforcement were tested.

Mr Woyongo reiterated that government was aware of the challenges facing the service and will endeavour to address them.

COP Dr George Akuffo Dampare, in his welcome address as acting Director-General of Finance and Welfare, reminded personnel of the importance of WASSA.

According to him, though thought of as a merry-making event, it was also a time to reflect on their lives as police personnel by taking stock and preparing for the year ahead.

COP Dampare entreated all personnel to render services which will add value and honour to the service.

About 38 junior rank officers were presented with awards for their hard work in the previous year.

Two outstanding awards were presented to two civilians, Peter Yaw Amudzi, who served the Police Headquarters for 27 years as a painter, and Mr Peter Adetor of TV3 for his commitment to police assignment and stories over the years.

By Emefa Abla ADJEI