The Government of Japan yesterday presented 23 vehicles worth $3million to the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to augment its fleets.
The vehicles which include four station wagons, nineteen pickup truck (Double Cabin) and digital communication system was under the scheme of Grant Aid for Economic and Social Development programme.
Presenting the vehicles, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Hisanobu Mochizuki said the Government of Japan recognises the key role of the GPS in ensuing peace and security, adding that the police need the partnership to build their capacity and adequately resource them to continue their work.
“Human security which Japan has been advocating on the world stage, is a concept that focus on people-especially the vulnerable and we provide cooperation for their protection and empowerment,” he added.
He said without peace and security, people’s livelihoods would be compromised and they cannot live happily and in dignity as they should.
The Ambassador said the donation would enhance the institutional capacity of the GPS to execute their mandated activities of protecting lives.
He encouraged the GPS to ensure their fleets of vehicles were managed properly to offer extensive service to the people of the country.
Mr Mochizuki commended the Police Service for their contributing to security in the country and assured them of their continuous support to help them achieve their goals.
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the GPS, the Minister for the Interior, Mr Ambrose Dery said the vehicles came on time to help the Service discharge its duties effectively.
He said Government was doing its best to make everyone in the country safe, adding that the Police Service was the leading security as far as internal security in Ghana is concerned.
“We work in collaboration with other security agencies such as the immigration service, fire service, armed forces among others, these agencies have been able to make the country a peaceful one and have been consistent for years now and have showed that they are prepared to meet the highest form of policing in the country.” he added.
Mr Dery stated that the police patrol team were also bringing in a new level of policing into our country in order to make the police mobile.
“Now that we have got these vehicles we need more personnel’s as well and more equipment’s as some of the police are going to regions where communication is a challenge.” he said.
The Minster stated that about 5,000 additional officers have this year been recruited and trained by the GPS to further improve internal security on streets and communities in the country.
He appealed to the public to support the police in the maintenance of law and order in the country and appealed to other institutions to support the Service.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George AkuffoDampare, said the vehicles would add up to what Government had provided to Service over the years to help in their efforts in marinating law and order in the country.
He reiterated the call that the vehicles would be maintained to expand its lifespan.
In attendance were members of the Police Management Board, senior police officers and officials from the Japan Embassy in Ghana among others.
BY ANITA NYARKO-YIRENKYI