The Upper West Regional Police Command has expressed disquiet about the growing number of cases of the illegal mining also known as ‘galamsey’ in parts of the region. According to the Regional Command Jirapa, Lawra, Nadowli-Kaleo, Wa East and Wa West districts are hotspots for illegal mining.
U/W Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Aboagye Nyarko
Speaking at the annual West African Security Association (WASSA) celebrations at Wa, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Aboagye Nyarko said the police remains resolute in its quest to bring an end to illegal mining in the region. This, the Police hopes to achieve by partnering the relevant stakeholders. The Commander added that 3 Burkinabe nationals have already been convicted and fined for their involvement in illegal mining.
The Annual WASSA celebration provides a platform for personnel of the Ghana Police Service to celebrate the successes chalked up during the year, identify the shortfalls and re-strategize for the years ahead. This year’s celebration focused on “Consolidation ideas against vigilantism for national safety”.
The Regional Commander used the platform to express gratitude to the Regional Minister for facilitating processes for the restart of the abandoned Regional Police Headquarters Project. The new Headquarters which was abandoned in 2015 is located at Sombo, a suburb of Wa. The project if completed would contain offices for the regional police personnel along with accommodation for senior and junior officers.
On the issue of vigilantism, DCOP Aboagye Nyarko commended government for the vigilante law. “Though things are seemingly calm now as we head towards the peak of political campaigns we must find a way as stakeholders especially within the Upper West Region to prevent incidents associated with vigilantism,” he said. DCOP Aboagye Nyarko added that “in this regard, the Upper West Regional Command will continue to meet all identifiable stakeholders for this purpose. Let us all be grateful to the government for the law on vigilantism. This certainly would stem the tide in vigilantism”.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih commended the Police for the work done. He however, charged the police to revise their operation to be in keeping with modern needs and demands.
“It is important to acknowledge the contribution of the Police Service in crime prevention, and the maintenance of law and order. Without the Police, society would probably descend into chaos and anarchy. This explains why the sanctity of the institution should be preserved in order to achieve a peaceful and progressive society,” he said.
Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih continued to that “for this to happen, the Ghana Police [Service] must be professional in the discharge of its duties.
Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih said to keep the Police personnel motivated, award schemes are going to be instituted by the Regional Coordinating Council and the Regional Police Command for deserving personnel. He pledged 10 thousand Ghana-Cedis of his salary to this course. Also present at the WASSA celebration were personnel from sister security agencies.
Story filed by Mark Smith
