President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has stated categorically that he is not in any way interested in knowing the political affiliations of serving officers of the Police or any other security agencies.
Addressing graduants and attendees at the 49th cadet officers graduation parade at the Police Academy, Police Depot, Tesano, the President Akufo Addo said the “political affiliation of serving officers should manifest themselves only in the polling booth on election day” and not in their line of duty.
“Once they dawn the uniform, the population and I expect them to carry out their duties impartially without any political coloration. That is the basis on which I have proceed since I assumed office on 7th January 2017. I do not know the political leanings of any of the commanding officers of the various security agencies including the police service nor have I sort to know, for that is not my concern. My concern is their ability to deliver that is the best way we can build a credible security and police system” President Akufo Addo stated.
Recent Killings and Discipline in Police Service
President Akufo Addo charged the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), James Oppong-Boanuh, and the entire Service to make it a point to maintain discipline in the Police Service. The President also condemned recent killings of and attacks on police officers. He emphasized that “in so far as we are a country governed by the rule of law, such criminal acts will not go unpunished”.
“Personnel of the police service should not be seen as enemies but rather partners in the fight against crime” the President noted.
Missing Takoradi Girls
On the issue of the missing Takoradi girls, the President said the families of the girls and indeed the entire Ghanaian population awaits eagerly the results of the ongoing investigations by the Police. He urged the Police Service to respond soon to this expectation of the populist.
“Ghanaians, especially the families of the three missing Takoradi girls and the recently discovered fourth person are awaiting anxiously for news of their where about from the police service and I fervently hope the police service will respond soon,” the President said.
The Grandaunts
In all, the 49th Cadet Officers graduation parade saw one hundred and forty two (142) cadet officers graduating. For the first time a female cadet officer, Theodora Ntirwaa, graduated as the overall best cadet officer.