The Heads of the Ghana Police Transformation Programme has met with management of the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority to deliberate on issues of grave concern as well as solicit assistance to transform the Ghana Police Service.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police, ASP Benjamin Agordzo acknowledged GPHA for its support and kind gesture to the Ghana Police Service over the years. He said as part of their transformational agenda, it was necessary for the two entities to discuss how best they can work together to strengthen their relationship that will inure to the benefit of both parties.
Speaking at the meeting, ASP Agordzo told the Director General of GPHA, Paul Asare Ansah and his team that the police is appreciative of all the support that has been offered by GPHA to boost policing in Ghana including the donation of a patrol vehicle which was received by the current IGP and then Commissioner of Police in charge of Marine. Also the regular rehabilitation of the Tema Regional Police Center as well as the Railways and Police Station at the Port of Tema.
He however bemoaned that Police Service is struggling to meet the expectation of the general public because they are not empowered enough by way of modern and reliable equipment to operate.
The Director General of GPHA, Paul Asare-Ansah on behalf of management congratulated ASP Agordzo for his desire to see a very formidable and modern police force that is capable of facing modern challenges in the course of their work.
He further advised that, there is the need to enhance capacity of the police and ensure their mandate is jealously protected.
“It must be a wakeup call for all of us to put in whatever contribution, whatever assistance we can provide, to make the Police institution, a capable and efficient institution capable of delivering on that mandate so that we all feel safe,” he intimated.
GPHA, according to him, is ready to partner with the police in achieving set goals that will keep everyone safe in their communities.
Paul Asare-Ansah said as part of GPHA’s Corporate Social Responsibility, building of police station is core, however, the Authority has resolved to get value for money on all their Corporate Social Responsibility projects.
“So we are ready to listen to you, the areas of the transformational agenda so that we can come up with an integrated strategic plan based on your goals and your objectives and your strategic approach to achieve all those goals,” he added.
The General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Affairs of GPHA, Esther Gyebi-Donkor, said the transit trade corridors have series of reports and complaints that frustrate their smooth operations. “The transittors are telling us that since the customs were removed, the police have rather increased their temporal borders and are taking monies from them,” she lamented.
She added, “the transit corridors have actually increased in recent times and it is one of the areas that we would also like to cooperate with you for our mutual benefit.”
She also called for effective collaboration between the Police and GPHA to fight the issue of stowaways.
The Port Security Manager also assured the police of his outfit’s support in protecting lives and properties particularly at the port.
