– as he launches new Ghana Police shop
By Kizito CUDJOE
The Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, has reiterated government’s commitment to the Ghana Police Service, announcing substantial enhancements in logistics, manpower and infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security apparatus.
Speaking at the inauguration of an ultra-modern Ghana Police shop, Dr. Bawumia articulated government’s achievements and plans to fortify the country’s security landscape. “The security of our country has been and will continue to be a high priority for government.”
He detailed the extensive logistical support provided over the past seven years, which includes hundreds of vehicles, thousands of motorbikes and protective equipment. This investment, according to the Vice President, has significantly enhanced police visibility in communities and improved response times to crime and other law enforcement situations.
He added that in the past three years, the Police Service received clearance to recruit over 7,000 new personnel; strengthening the force’s capacity and operational efficiency. “This has been evident in the increased police visibility in our communities and improved response to crime and other law and order situations,” Dr. Bawumia said, pointing to the tangible results of these investments.
The Vice President was speaking at the Ghana Police shop commissioning at Police Headquarters in Accra, and also lauded infrastructural advancements under the current administration. Recent developments include commissioning an ultra-modern Service workshop, a basic school and modern accommodation for officers at Kwabenya.
These initiatives, coupled with the ongoing construction of additional residential facilities, he said, aim to provide better living conditions for officers and enhance their morale and productivity.
Dr. Bawumia noted that introduction of the Ghana Police shop, a dedicated facility for the Police Service to purchase additional uniform items and institutional souvenirs, has been long overdue. The shop, which also has an online presence, is set to ensure uniform uniformity and provide necessary supplies to officers across the country.
Notably, he explained that the Police Welfare Scheme allows officers to acquire items on credit with payments deducted at source, offering financial flexibility.
“The shop’s operationalisation will not by any means replace government’s obligation of providing uniforms and other accoutrements to the Police Service as the law requires. Rather, the shop is intended to complement government efforts,” Bawumia clarified, emphasising that this initiative is an additional support mechanism rather than a substitute for governmental provision.
He therefore commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and his team for their dedication and service – particularly as the country prepares for upcoming general elections.
He urged continued vigilance and commitment to maintaining peace and security. “Once again, I wish to commend the IGP, members of the Police Management Board and all officers and men for executing these initiatives under the Police transformation agenda. I would like to urge you to continue doing more, especially as the nation prepares to go into a general election come December 7th,” he concluded.
The Minister for Interior, Henry Quartey – also speaking at the ceremony, recognised the immense transformation that has taken place within the Police Service over the past 7 years.
While commending the Police administration for work that led to establishing the Ghana Police shop, he reiterated that the Police together with other security intelligence agencies are dutybound to ensure “before, during and after the 7th December elections, Ghana will continue to be peaceful”.
He therefore encouraged the Police and other security agencies to discharge their duties professionally, to continue making the country an example for countries across the sub-region.
