31/01/08
Story and Picture: Mary Mensah
THE British High Commission is providing intelligence management system work stations for the Ghana Police Service to enhance communication within the service.
The work stations, which will be available to the service by March, this year, will equip the national headquarters to communicate quickly and effectively with four regional headquarters - Tamale, Kumasi, Takoradi and Accra.
It will also enable the service to share data and intelligence with other police forces in the sub-region, as well as the new Scotland Yard and other international security agencies.
The outgoing Political Officer of the High Commission, Mr Gary Nicholls, who has completed a four-and-a-half-year duty tour of the country, disclosed this yesterday when he paid a farewell call on the police administration.
At the same ceremony, the new High Commissioner was introduced to the administration and certificates were presented to police officers who had undertaken training courses in the United Kingdom.
He said the new system would help the police to collect all kinds of information, which would be stored and later shared with other security agencies to enhance their performance.
Mr Nicholls said there had been a fruitful collaboration between the High Commission and the Ghana Police Service, which had resulted in the training of over 45 officers in the UK and 200 in Ghana.
He expressed the hope that there would be further collaboration between the two institutions, and added that “ I will be keeping an eye and monitoring events in Ghana. I am leaving with fond memories”.
The New British High Commissioner, Dr Nick Westcott, for his part, commended the police for maintaining law and order at the Ghana 2008 tournament.
He said this showed that the various international and local training courses for the service had paid off.
He said his first official assignment was at the police administration and he hoped to work closely together with the service in order to deepen the co-operation between the high commission and the police service
For his part, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, said Mr Nicholls resumed training courses for the police which had ceased for over 15 years before he took office.
He said the outgoing political officer also helped to draw a new programme and assisted in the revision of courses being offered by the National Police College to meet international standards.
Mr Acheampong said currently police officers were sent to the UK every year to pursue various courses, which, they, in turn, taught their colleagues on their return.
The IGP said retired or serving police officers from the UK also came to teach police personnel and between 400 and 500 personnel had benefited from it.
He expressed the service’s appreciation to the High Commission and the outgoing Political Officer for the immense contribution and assistance to the police service and hoped that the co-operation between the two institutions would be further deepened.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
COCAINE SUSPECTS ABSCONDS (Page 3 Lead)
31/01/08
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Nigerian suspect in the case involving the 67 parcels of cocaine which were intercepted at Prampram in May 2006 has absconded.
A bench warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The 42-year-old Nigerian, Kenneth Urgah, was arrested because he was the driver of the Mercedes Benz bus, with registration number GW 1243 X, in which 28 cartons of fresh fish and 67 large cartons of cocaine were found.
The drugs were intercepted by the Buffalo Unit of the Police Service in Tema, in conjunction with the Prampram Police.
During investigations, Urgah was taken to his house at Madina where samples of the material used to wrap the drug and other items, together with another Benz bus of the same colour as the one used to cart the drug, were found.
He was then arraigned and remanded in custody to enable the police to conduct further investigations into the case, but while he was at the James Fort Prison, he was reported to have fallen sick and taken to the Police Hospital for treatment.
According to police sources, Urgah’s condition was said to have deteriorated and, as a result, his counsel filed a motion for bail at the High Court, upon which the court, presided over by Justice Anthony Abada, granted him bail on June 25, 2007 in the sum of GH¢30,000 with one surety to be justified.
Urgah was to reappear in court on July 11, 2007 but he failed to do so.
Frank Wood, a well known bail contractor at the courts, who stood surety for the suspect, has been ordered by the court to produce the accused but he has failed to do so. An estreatment of bond has, therefore, been obtained to be served on the surety to appear before the court.
It is recalled that following the haul of the cocaine at the Prampram Beach and the disappearance of 77 parcels of cocaine, the government came out with a directive that no bail should be granted drug suspects.
On June 26, 2007, a copy of the motion for the approval of bail was served on the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for compliance, after which the bail was executed.
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Nigerian suspect in the case involving the 67 parcels of cocaine which were intercepted at Prampram in May 2006 has absconded.
A bench warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The 42-year-old Nigerian, Kenneth Urgah, was arrested because he was the driver of the Mercedes Benz bus, with registration number GW 1243 X, in which 28 cartons of fresh fish and 67 large cartons of cocaine were found.
The drugs were intercepted by the Buffalo Unit of the Police Service in Tema, in conjunction with the Prampram Police.
During investigations, Urgah was taken to his house at Madina where samples of the material used to wrap the drug and other items, together with another Benz bus of the same colour as the one used to cart the drug, were found.
He was then arraigned and remanded in custody to enable the police to conduct further investigations into the case, but while he was at the James Fort Prison, he was reported to have fallen sick and taken to the Police Hospital for treatment.
According to police sources, Urgah’s condition was said to have deteriorated and, as a result, his counsel filed a motion for bail at the High Court, upon which the court, presided over by Justice Anthony Abada, granted him bail on June 25, 2007 in the sum of GH¢30,000 with one surety to be justified.
Urgah was to reappear in court on July 11, 2007 but he failed to do so.
Frank Wood, a well known bail contractor at the courts, who stood surety for the suspect, has been ordered by the court to produce the accused but he has failed to do so. An estreatment of bond has, therefore, been obtained to be served on the surety to appear before the court.
It is recalled that following the haul of the cocaine at the Prampram Beach and the disappearance of 77 parcels of cocaine, the government came out with a directive that no bail should be granted drug suspects.
On June 26, 2007, a copy of the motion for the approval of bail was served on the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for compliance, after which the bail was executed.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
GHANA MUST CONSOLIDATE HER DEMOCRACY-RICHARDSON (Political Page,lead)
27/01/08
Story: Kobby Asmah & Mary Mensah
THE outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Jonathan Richardson, has stated that the present stability in Ghana, respect for human rights, a spirit of national unity and overall good relations among different communities and groups are Ghana’s great assets which should be built upon.
Giving a speech on the occasion of Australia Day on Friday in Accra, Mr Richardson said that all political parties and stakeholders had a responsibility to ensure that this positive trend continued to enable the country build a durable democracy.
“ Some observers may point to recent developments in Kenya and one or two other cases over the last 12 months as evidence of a backward trend in Africa as a whole. However, he argued that “equally we have seen other countries as a shining light moving forward, including several countries in the West African sub-region,” he said.
“So let us keep the big picture in perspective; there is good reason to believe that Ghana will once again be one of those countries that point the way forward,” he stated.
He said it was with sadness that he bid farewell to Ghana and gave the assurance that he would treasure the many friendships and contacts he made during his duty tour.
He, however, said with delight that plans were well advanced for the establishment of a new Australian-owned mine, Adams Resources’ Southern Ashanti Project in the Western Region, the first of its kind in the country.
He said Australian oil exploration companies were also interested in joining in the development of Ghana’s petroleum resources, as they had done in several other African countries.
He said that the discovery offshore oil in commercial quantities is an exciting development for Ghana and “we must wish the country success in meeting the challenges that arise in harnessing the revenue generated by oil to the fullest benefit of the people and the national development”.
He said that commercial relationship remained one of their strongest in Africa and merchandise trade grew from five per cent last year to over US$100m, which constitutes one of their larger markets on the continent.
He said exports from Ghana to Australia were also increasing whilst the mining sector continued to play a large role in exports, notably machinery and equipment, as well as Australia’s investment in Ghana.
Additionally, he said the mining sector also created substantial service trade with Ghana, in areas such as engineering, project management, drilling and consultancy services.
He also said the High Commission had funded community-based projects in all the 10 regions of Ghana over the last three years and the amount of annual financial assistance for small scale projects had doubled to nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
The Deputy Minister of Finance, on behalf of government, said that Ghana and Australia had enjoyed very close relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries soon after Ghana’s independence in 1957.
He said notwithstanding the closure of our respective diplomatic missions in the 1980’s, Ghana and Australia continued to enjoy ties and maintain Consulates in each other’s capital.
He pledged the country’s commitment to continuing with efforts in the areas of good governance, rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights.
“We are confident that the presidential and parliamentary elections in December this year will be peaceful, transparent, free and fair,” he said.
Story: Kobby Asmah & Mary Mensah
THE outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Jonathan Richardson, has stated that the present stability in Ghana, respect for human rights, a spirit of national unity and overall good relations among different communities and groups are Ghana’s great assets which should be built upon.
Giving a speech on the occasion of Australia Day on Friday in Accra, Mr Richardson said that all political parties and stakeholders had a responsibility to ensure that this positive trend continued to enable the country build a durable democracy.
“ Some observers may point to recent developments in Kenya and one or two other cases over the last 12 months as evidence of a backward trend in Africa as a whole. However, he argued that “equally we have seen other countries as a shining light moving forward, including several countries in the West African sub-region,” he said.
“So let us keep the big picture in perspective; there is good reason to believe that Ghana will once again be one of those countries that point the way forward,” he stated.
He said it was with sadness that he bid farewell to Ghana and gave the assurance that he would treasure the many friendships and contacts he made during his duty tour.
He, however, said with delight that plans were well advanced for the establishment of a new Australian-owned mine, Adams Resources’ Southern Ashanti Project in the Western Region, the first of its kind in the country.
He said Australian oil exploration companies were also interested in joining in the development of Ghana’s petroleum resources, as they had done in several other African countries.
He said that the discovery offshore oil in commercial quantities is an exciting development for Ghana and “we must wish the country success in meeting the challenges that arise in harnessing the revenue generated by oil to the fullest benefit of the people and the national development”.
He said that commercial relationship remained one of their strongest in Africa and merchandise trade grew from five per cent last year to over US$100m, which constitutes one of their larger markets on the continent.
He said exports from Ghana to Australia were also increasing whilst the mining sector continued to play a large role in exports, notably machinery and equipment, as well as Australia’s investment in Ghana.
Additionally, he said the mining sector also created substantial service trade with Ghana, in areas such as engineering, project management, drilling and consultancy services.
He also said the High Commission had funded community-based projects in all the 10 regions of Ghana over the last three years and the amount of annual financial assistance for small scale projects had doubled to nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
The Deputy Minister of Finance, on behalf of government, said that Ghana and Australia had enjoyed very close relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries soon after Ghana’s independence in 1957.
He said notwithstanding the closure of our respective diplomatic missions in the 1980’s, Ghana and Australia continued to enjoy ties and maintain Consulates in each other’s capital.
He pledged the country’s commitment to continuing with efforts in the areas of good governance, rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights.
“We are confident that the presidential and parliamentary elections in December this year will be peaceful, transparent, free and fair,” he said.
Monday, January 21, 2008
ATTA MILLS AT ROYALHOUSE CHAPEL
21/01/2007
Story: Mary Mensah
The Flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reiterated his appeal for the re-introduction of Religious and Moral Education in the curriculum of schools in order to instil the fear of the God in children.
He said the children are the future leaders and “we have to bring them up well by instilling the fear of God in them from the very beginning so that when they grow up they will not depart from it”.
Professor John Evans Atta Mills made the call at the Royalhouse Chapel International Church when he, together with the top hierarchy of the NDC joined the congregation for this year’s edition of “Week of the Altar”.
Those who accompanied him included Mr Eddie Annang, Dr Kwabena Adjei, Chairman of the party, Mr E. T. Mensah, Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe, Baba Jamal and Mrs Margaret Clark Kweisi.
Every year, the church sets aside the first 14 days of January to fast and pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation, among others, and this year’s theme is , “Say it Again and Again, it is Well”.
He said he had been visiting Royalhouse in the past years because this is where “you always pray for the nation at the beginning of every year and I appreciate your effort for the peace and stability we are enjoying in the nation.”
He requested that the church should pray for peace, unity, genuine concern for one another and for the will of the Lord to be done in the country.
Prof. Mills advised the members of the church to avoid telling lies and insulting others.
Reverend Sam Korankye Ankrah, the General Overseer of church, said this year’s election would be won on the altar of God and said God would speak again in this nation.
Choosing Hagai chapter 2 verses 6-7 for his sermon, Rev. Ankrah said once again God would shake the heavens and the earth and sustain the peace in this nation because silver and gold belong to him.
He said God had promised to maintain the peace in this nation so those who planned evil for the country would not succeed because God knew the end from the beginning.
Story: Mary Mensah
The Flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reiterated his appeal for the re-introduction of Religious and Moral Education in the curriculum of schools in order to instil the fear of the God in children.
He said the children are the future leaders and “we have to bring them up well by instilling the fear of God in them from the very beginning so that when they grow up they will not depart from it”.
Professor John Evans Atta Mills made the call at the Royalhouse Chapel International Church when he, together with the top hierarchy of the NDC joined the congregation for this year’s edition of “Week of the Altar”.
Those who accompanied him included Mr Eddie Annang, Dr Kwabena Adjei, Chairman of the party, Mr E. T. Mensah, Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe, Baba Jamal and Mrs Margaret Clark Kweisi.
Every year, the church sets aside the first 14 days of January to fast and pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation, among others, and this year’s theme is , “Say it Again and Again, it is Well”.
He said he had been visiting Royalhouse in the past years because this is where “you always pray for the nation at the beginning of every year and I appreciate your effort for the peace and stability we are enjoying in the nation.”
He requested that the church should pray for peace, unity, genuine concern for one another and for the will of the Lord to be done in the country.
Prof. Mills advised the members of the church to avoid telling lies and insulting others.
Reverend Sam Korankye Ankrah, the General Overseer of church, said this year’s election would be won on the altar of God and said God would speak again in this nation.
Choosing Hagai chapter 2 verses 6-7 for his sermon, Rev. Ankrah said once again God would shake the heavens and the earth and sustain the peace in this nation because silver and gold belong to him.
He said God had promised to maintain the peace in this nation so those who planned evil for the country would not succeed because God knew the end from the beginning.
AKUFFO ADDO VISITED ROYALHOUSE (Political Page)
10/01/2008
Story: Mary Mensah
THE flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has gone to the Royalhouse Chapel to pray for success and peaceful elections.
Every year, the church sets aside the first 14 days of January to fast and pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation, among others, and this year’s programme, dubbed “Week of the Altar”, was on the theme, “Say it Again and Again, It is Well”.
Nana Akufo-Addo requested for two prayers, one for the nation and the other for God to grant him wisdom, knowledge and understanding in order to lead the country successfully.
He thanked the church for setting aside days to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation.
He said he found God’s favour when he was elected the flag bearer of the NPP a few weeks ago and he hoped and prayed that the same favour would lead him to be elected as the next president of the nation.
The General Overseer of the church, Reverend Sam Korankye Ankrah, thanked Nana Akufo-Addo for coming to the church to join his faith with that of the church and said Ghana was an oasis of peace.
“We have run three elections peacefully and successfully and this one will also be the same,” he added.
He said the good fortunes of this nation, the oil discovery, among other wealth, began at Royalhouse as a result of constant prayers to God for the elimination of poverty from this nation.
Rev Ankrah prayed for peace during the election so that whoever had been ordained by God to lead the nation would be chosen.
Preaching the sermon, Rev Ankrah said those who trusted in the Lord would be like fortresses and they would be preserved.
He said those wicked people who were planning evil that Ghana would be like Kenya or other troubled countries in Africa would not find a place in this nation because God would preserve the country.
He prayed that God should give us a man of His heart as the next President of this dear nation, somebody who would be righteous in his ways and would be able to take the nation to the next level of prosperity.
Story: Mary Mensah
THE flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has gone to the Royalhouse Chapel to pray for success and peaceful elections.
Every year, the church sets aside the first 14 days of January to fast and pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation, among others, and this year’s programme, dubbed “Week of the Altar”, was on the theme, “Say it Again and Again, It is Well”.
Nana Akufo-Addo requested for two prayers, one for the nation and the other for God to grant him wisdom, knowledge and understanding in order to lead the country successfully.
He thanked the church for setting aside days to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation.
He said he found God’s favour when he was elected the flag bearer of the NPP a few weeks ago and he hoped and prayed that the same favour would lead him to be elected as the next president of the nation.
The General Overseer of the church, Reverend Sam Korankye Ankrah, thanked Nana Akufo-Addo for coming to the church to join his faith with that of the church and said Ghana was an oasis of peace.
“We have run three elections peacefully and successfully and this one will also be the same,” he added.
He said the good fortunes of this nation, the oil discovery, among other wealth, began at Royalhouse as a result of constant prayers to God for the elimination of poverty from this nation.
Rev Ankrah prayed for peace during the election so that whoever had been ordained by God to lead the nation would be chosen.
Preaching the sermon, Rev Ankrah said those who trusted in the Lord would be like fortresses and they would be preserved.
He said those wicked people who were planning evil that Ghana would be like Kenya or other troubled countries in Africa would not find a place in this nation because God would preserve the country.
He prayed that God should give us a man of His heart as the next President of this dear nation, somebody who would be righteous in his ways and would be able to take the nation to the next level of prosperity.
GOVT TO EXPAND ROADS (Page 3)
19/01/2008
Story: Mary Mensah
The Government is to expand the roads on the three busiest corridors in the country to dual carriage ways to reduce road accidents by up to 40 per cent.
Statistics from the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has indicated that about 65 to 70 percent of road crashes occurred on those routes which are Tema/Aflao, Accra /Cape Coast and Accra/Kumasi.
The Minister of Transportation, Mr Godfrey T. Bayon announced this in Accra when he launched a one-day seminar on managing road safety with Corporate Ghana and the re-launch of the global road safety partnership voluntary code of conduct which was organised by TopTech Drive Consult at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.
He said government has amply demonstrated its commitment to road safety by passing the consolidated Road Traffic Act, 2004 Act 683 to replace the Road Traffic Ordinance of 1952.
He said the Act provides for a more comprehensive regulations of road traffic and road use to ensure safety on the roads.
Mr Bayon said following the passage of the Act, the ministry has prepared a legislative instrument which will regulate and provide focus for the effective implementation of the law and added that currently the instrument in under discussion
He said driver discipline with its resultant safety on our roads is a crucial element which no doubt will make Ghana a competitive and an attractive investment destination where investors both local and foreign will be comfortable and satisfied to do good business.
“ Unfortunately much as government together with other stakeholders do their best towards attaining some level of sanity on our roads, our roads continue to be safety hazard”, He said.
The Minister said at the end of the year 2005 data obtained revealed that for very 10,000 vehicles 23 persons lost their lives and this figure compares unfavourable with what obtained in the highly motorised countries like Denmark, Germany, Sweden and the UK where the fatality rate ranges between 1.5 to 2.3.
The Chairman of the (NRSC), Mr Clifford Aboagye who chaired the function blamed the Police Service for the increase in road accidents in the country.
He said instead of enforcing road traffic regulations and arresting errant drivers for over speeding, over loading, reckless driving among others they are rather interested in extorting monies from them.
He said while the commission was doing all it could to reduce the accidents on the roads through serious campaigns and advertisement country wide the law enforcers are lose on their job.
Mr Aboagye said another people who hinder the crusade were ford and luxurious bus drivers who are killing most passengers because of their eagerness to get to their destination on time and return to time.
He said last year the heat was on 407 buses but this has shifted to the ford and luxurious buses who speed and over take recklessly on the way in order to reach early thus forgetting the safety of passengers.
He also blamed fatal accidents on the roads on the encroachment of traders on the pavements and drivers who loose focus as a result of tiredness.
The Chairman of the board of TopTech Drive Consult, Mr Frank Davies said road safety continues to be one of the nations most serious public health issues which affects everyone whether you drive walk or even cycle.
He said companies and organisations as well as governmental corporations play a major role in the economy of our nation and it is therefore imperative that lives and properties would be protected at all times.
Mr Davies said drivers of most companies and organisations operates powerful and expensive vehicles in high speed, competitive and stressful environment which are often shared with vulnerable road users.
He said vehicles are changing rapidly as technology develops and driving conditions are becoming more difficult and challenging and it is important that drivers undertake refresher courses in order to upgrade their knowledge.
Story: Mary Mensah
The Government is to expand the roads on the three busiest corridors in the country to dual carriage ways to reduce road accidents by up to 40 per cent.
Statistics from the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has indicated that about 65 to 70 percent of road crashes occurred on those routes which are Tema/Aflao, Accra /Cape Coast and Accra/Kumasi.
The Minister of Transportation, Mr Godfrey T. Bayon announced this in Accra when he launched a one-day seminar on managing road safety with Corporate Ghana and the re-launch of the global road safety partnership voluntary code of conduct which was organised by TopTech Drive Consult at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.
He said government has amply demonstrated its commitment to road safety by passing the consolidated Road Traffic Act, 2004 Act 683 to replace the Road Traffic Ordinance of 1952.
He said the Act provides for a more comprehensive regulations of road traffic and road use to ensure safety on the roads.
Mr Bayon said following the passage of the Act, the ministry has prepared a legislative instrument which will regulate and provide focus for the effective implementation of the law and added that currently the instrument in under discussion
He said driver discipline with its resultant safety on our roads is a crucial element which no doubt will make Ghana a competitive and an attractive investment destination where investors both local and foreign will be comfortable and satisfied to do good business.
“ Unfortunately much as government together with other stakeholders do their best towards attaining some level of sanity on our roads, our roads continue to be safety hazard”, He said.
The Minister said at the end of the year 2005 data obtained revealed that for very 10,000 vehicles 23 persons lost their lives and this figure compares unfavourable with what obtained in the highly motorised countries like Denmark, Germany, Sweden and the UK where the fatality rate ranges between 1.5 to 2.3.
The Chairman of the (NRSC), Mr Clifford Aboagye who chaired the function blamed the Police Service for the increase in road accidents in the country.
He said instead of enforcing road traffic regulations and arresting errant drivers for over speeding, over loading, reckless driving among others they are rather interested in extorting monies from them.
He said while the commission was doing all it could to reduce the accidents on the roads through serious campaigns and advertisement country wide the law enforcers are lose on their job.
Mr Aboagye said another people who hinder the crusade were ford and luxurious bus drivers who are killing most passengers because of their eagerness to get to their destination on time and return to time.
He said last year the heat was on 407 buses but this has shifted to the ford and luxurious buses who speed and over take recklessly on the way in order to reach early thus forgetting the safety of passengers.
He also blamed fatal accidents on the roads on the encroachment of traders on the pavements and drivers who loose focus as a result of tiredness.
The Chairman of the board of TopTech Drive Consult, Mr Frank Davies said road safety continues to be one of the nations most serious public health issues which affects everyone whether you drive walk or even cycle.
He said companies and organisations as well as governmental corporations play a major role in the economy of our nation and it is therefore imperative that lives and properties would be protected at all times.
Mr Davies said drivers of most companies and organisations operates powerful and expensive vehicles in high speed, competitive and stressful environment which are often shared with vulnerable road users.
He said vehicles are changing rapidly as technology develops and driving conditions are becoming more difficult and challenging and it is important that drivers undertake refresher courses in order to upgrade their knowledge.
Friday, January 18, 2008
NO SECURITY WORRIES (Page 29)
18/01/2008
Story: Mary Mensah
UNDOUBTEDLY, global attention is currently on Ghana. The land of gold, the abode of peace, the home of hospitality, the gateway to Africa and the country championing African excellence, is hosting 15 other countries in a biennial soccer fiesta.
The Ghana 2008 event is not just bringing in the 15 teams and their supporters, but is also drawing dignitaries, tourists and lovers of football across the world to Ghana in the January 20 to February 10, 2008 event.
Even without such events, criminal activities have often threatened the serene atmosphere of the country. And with large numbers of people coming in, some with varied aims, it is important that the security agencies rise up to the task to sustain the soaring image of Ghana and live up to the standards of the world football governing body, FIFA’s standards.
It is in that vein that the security agencies, led by the Ghana Police Service, have masterminded an operational strategy to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable Ghana 2008. The Ghana Police Service has re-structured its operational strategy from the routine law enforcement and keeping the peace to a proactive paradigm that calls for an increased police visibility and accessibility through day and night patrols with the view to preventing crime.
The strategy, known as the multi-agency approach, has been adopted as the security management style of the tournament. The ultimate objective of the strategy is to stem the tide in all violent crimes, especially armed robbery, reduce the fear of crime and to make all commuters safe.
To operationalise the multi-agency approach, the security agencies have already collected, collated, analysed and disseminated intelligence among themselves and continue to do same as and when the intelligence is made available.
Fortunately, the managers of Ghana 2008 security have involved the security officers of participating countries, stadium management staff, the National Ambulance Service, stewards and volunteers, ball boys and private security companies in their operations.
Under the strategy, the security agencies will be providing security for VVIPs and VIPS; providing security for the arrival and departure of match officials, teams, supporters, tourists and visitors coming from outside the country at all entry points and escorting match officials and players to their hotels.
Security is also to be provided at hotels, training pitches, the four stadia, venues of social activities and the site of the giant screen. General security for spectators during and after matches would be ensured while traffic management and day and night patrols at the four match centres would be carried out to ensure safety for all people.
Highway patrols on major routes to the four match centres would also be undertaken throughout the day and night to make the highways safe while contingency plans have been made to provide security services throughout the country to ensure a successful tournament.
For those who fear that criminals and other unscrupulous persons from other countries may have easy access to the country to perpetuate crime, the good news is that the International Police Organisation (Interpol) is sending an Interpol Major Event Support Team (IMEST) to support their Ghanaian counterparts before, during and after the tournament.
The IMEST will be based at all the entry and exit points of the country and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to help track down any criminal as well as traffickers of both human and other illegal commodities such as drugs and weapons. Another group of the IMEST team would also operate from the Security Command Room located at the Ohene Djan Stadium. An IMEST team would also join their counterparts from the Ghana Immigration Service and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) to patrol all the entry points where they would be in close communication with the IMEST Control Rooms at the various stadia.
As part of the security management for the tournament, personnel of the various agencies, namely the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), have undergone a lot of training, both local and abroad, to ensure the successful management of the security strategy for Ghana 2008.
In furtherance of their determination to enforce maximum security, the agencies have established a command structure at three levels to facilitate communication.
A Gold Control Room will be established at the Police Headquarters with the Director-General of Police Operations, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Patrick Timbillah as the Gold Commander.
The respective Regional Police Commanders for Accra, Ashanti, Western and Northern Regions have been designated Silver Commanders while the various divisional and district commanders under them would serve as Bronze Commanders. The Bronze Commanders will be supporting the Silver Commanders in discharging the various security responsibilities.
Their responsibilities include conducting searches on all spectators in the stadia to detect unauthorised materials and prohibited objects such as fire crackers, firearms, knives, narcotic drugs and alcoholic beverages.
The personnel would also be checking “ambush marketing” by non-accredited sponsors by any group of spectators especially supporters unions, both local and foreign.
The security agencies through their combined efforts, would also provide adequate security at all vantage points and at all the sites of large screen for the live show of the matches and co-ordinate with other stakeholders before, during and after the matches.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr P. K. Acheampong, admitted in an interview that the Ghana 2008 tournament would create more security challenges to the police.
He, however, assured the nation that with the comprehensive security management planning in place, supported by the series of training, both locally and abroad, the police would measure up adequately to the task and thereby ensure a successful tournament.
Mr Acheampong reminded the populace that security, peace and safety issues and concerns were no more the preserve of police organisations the world over.
He said policing or security issues were now a shared responsibility between the security services and the community.
“Against this background, therefore, the Police Administration wishes to appeal to all and sundry to see themselves as active stakeholders in providing security for themselves as well as the communities within which they live,” he said.
The Director-General of Operations, Mr Timbillah, appealed to all visiting teams, officials, supporters and tourists to endeavour to respect the laws of the country and not to hesitate to contact the police for any assistance or provide any useful information which would promote peace and a successful tournament.
He said the Sekondi venue was expected to pose the biggest security challenge relative to other match centres because the venue would be hosting next-door neighbours, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
Mr Timbillah said as a result, the Central Region had been drafted to support the security operations of Western Region while the Upper East and West regions would support the Northern Regional Command.
He said the other regions had been drafted to support the security operations of the venue nearest them.
He expressed the hope that Ghanaians would continue to display the legendary Ghanaian hospitality, generosity, care and love for the visitors and also cheer up the national team with a high level of decorum and respect the rule of law.
Mr Timbillah urged supporters to submit themselves to searches and desist from smuggling any unauthorised materials into the various stadia.
The acting Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Seth Oteng, has assured that the police in Kumasi would team up with other security apparatus to provide efficient and effective security to participating players, team officials and soccer fans who would be in Kumasi for the Ghana 2008 tournament to make the event memorable, George Ernest Asare reports from Kumasi
He told the Daily Graphic in an interview that as part of their efforts to enhance security in Kumasi, 500 policemen from the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) had been specially trained to build their skills to enable them offer effective protection to players, team officials and spectators who would converge at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the Ghana 2008 soccer fiesta.
Elaborating on preparations made so far by the police to enhance adequate security at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and other parts of the Kumasi Metropolis during the tournament, he said 200 others had also been trained to be in the stands to ensure that sanity prevails during matches.
Such policemen, he said, would be in mufti to prevent any form of identification by the soccer fans and potential troublemakers.
Mr Oteng said the stadium is well equipped with cells and other facilities that would make it possible for the police to arrest and detain anyone who attempts to cause trouble and create any chaos.
He said all the 27 entry points at the stadium would also be manned by policemen and women who would check soccer fans entering the stadium to prevent any form of ticket fraud, possession of offensive weapons and drugs, among others.
“ Policemen who would ride on horses would also be at vantage points and streets to offer security to the public during the tournament.
Mr Oteng said they would also be at the training grounds and hotels of the players and team officials to create a serene atmosphere that would enable them offer their best to make the tournament memorable.
“ We have tested our men and found that they are combat ready to offer the requisite protection that would create a serene atmosphere in Kumasi for the tournament to be very successful and memorable”, he added.
Michael Donkor reports that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have mapped out strategies to support the Local Organising Committee of the Ghana 2008 soccer fiesta to make it a success. The GAF has divided its role among its three arms, namely the Ghana Army, the Navy and the Airforce.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview at Burma Camp in Accra, the Deputy Director of the Ghana Armed Forces Public Relations Unit, Lt. Col. Mbawuni Atintande, said the army would deploy troops at all the stadia and playing grounds where the participating teams would be training to ensure their safety.
He said the army would also provide escort for the officials of the tournament as they travelled across the country while operation “calm life” which seeks to clamp down on the activities of armed robbers would be intensified.
He said the Armed Forces Band would also play the national anthems of Ghana and other participating countries before and after the start of every match.
Lt. Col. Atintande said the 48 Engineers Regiment would display fireworks during the opening and closing ceremonies and the Recce Regiment would also provide horses, some of which would be used for dispersing crowds.
The army, he further stated, would provide medical personnel who would be on standby at all the stadia in case any medical emergencies arise.
He said it was only when the case was very serious and critical that the injured would be carried to the hospital.
Lt. Col. Atintande said the Air Force would provide air transport to carry any casualty to the hospital as well as give support to the army in maintaining security.
The Navy, he said, would also intensify its sea operations to ensure that criminals did not take advantage of the occasion to engage in nefarious activities at sea, while the naval personnel would patrol the territorial waters of the country constantly to ensure security.
He, therefore, called on the public to co-operate with the GAF to ensure that they had an incident-free tournament.
Story: Mary Mensah
UNDOUBTEDLY, global attention is currently on Ghana. The land of gold, the abode of peace, the home of hospitality, the gateway to Africa and the country championing African excellence, is hosting 15 other countries in a biennial soccer fiesta.
The Ghana 2008 event is not just bringing in the 15 teams and their supporters, but is also drawing dignitaries, tourists and lovers of football across the world to Ghana in the January 20 to February 10, 2008 event.
Even without such events, criminal activities have often threatened the serene atmosphere of the country. And with large numbers of people coming in, some with varied aims, it is important that the security agencies rise up to the task to sustain the soaring image of Ghana and live up to the standards of the world football governing body, FIFA’s standards.
It is in that vein that the security agencies, led by the Ghana Police Service, have masterminded an operational strategy to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable Ghana 2008. The Ghana Police Service has re-structured its operational strategy from the routine law enforcement and keeping the peace to a proactive paradigm that calls for an increased police visibility and accessibility through day and night patrols with the view to preventing crime.
The strategy, known as the multi-agency approach, has been adopted as the security management style of the tournament. The ultimate objective of the strategy is to stem the tide in all violent crimes, especially armed robbery, reduce the fear of crime and to make all commuters safe.
To operationalise the multi-agency approach, the security agencies have already collected, collated, analysed and disseminated intelligence among themselves and continue to do same as and when the intelligence is made available.
Fortunately, the managers of Ghana 2008 security have involved the security officers of participating countries, stadium management staff, the National Ambulance Service, stewards and volunteers, ball boys and private security companies in their operations.
Under the strategy, the security agencies will be providing security for VVIPs and VIPS; providing security for the arrival and departure of match officials, teams, supporters, tourists and visitors coming from outside the country at all entry points and escorting match officials and players to their hotels.
Security is also to be provided at hotels, training pitches, the four stadia, venues of social activities and the site of the giant screen. General security for spectators during and after matches would be ensured while traffic management and day and night patrols at the four match centres would be carried out to ensure safety for all people.
Highway patrols on major routes to the four match centres would also be undertaken throughout the day and night to make the highways safe while contingency plans have been made to provide security services throughout the country to ensure a successful tournament.
For those who fear that criminals and other unscrupulous persons from other countries may have easy access to the country to perpetuate crime, the good news is that the International Police Organisation (Interpol) is sending an Interpol Major Event Support Team (IMEST) to support their Ghanaian counterparts before, during and after the tournament.
The IMEST will be based at all the entry and exit points of the country and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to help track down any criminal as well as traffickers of both human and other illegal commodities such as drugs and weapons. Another group of the IMEST team would also operate from the Security Command Room located at the Ohene Djan Stadium. An IMEST team would also join their counterparts from the Ghana Immigration Service and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) to patrol all the entry points where they would be in close communication with the IMEST Control Rooms at the various stadia.
As part of the security management for the tournament, personnel of the various agencies, namely the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), have undergone a lot of training, both local and abroad, to ensure the successful management of the security strategy for Ghana 2008.
In furtherance of their determination to enforce maximum security, the agencies have established a command structure at three levels to facilitate communication.
A Gold Control Room will be established at the Police Headquarters with the Director-General of Police Operations, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Patrick Timbillah as the Gold Commander.
The respective Regional Police Commanders for Accra, Ashanti, Western and Northern Regions have been designated Silver Commanders while the various divisional and district commanders under them would serve as Bronze Commanders. The Bronze Commanders will be supporting the Silver Commanders in discharging the various security responsibilities.
Their responsibilities include conducting searches on all spectators in the stadia to detect unauthorised materials and prohibited objects such as fire crackers, firearms, knives, narcotic drugs and alcoholic beverages.
The personnel would also be checking “ambush marketing” by non-accredited sponsors by any group of spectators especially supporters unions, both local and foreign.
The security agencies through their combined efforts, would also provide adequate security at all vantage points and at all the sites of large screen for the live show of the matches and co-ordinate with other stakeholders before, during and after the matches.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr P. K. Acheampong, admitted in an interview that the Ghana 2008 tournament would create more security challenges to the police.
He, however, assured the nation that with the comprehensive security management planning in place, supported by the series of training, both locally and abroad, the police would measure up adequately to the task and thereby ensure a successful tournament.
Mr Acheampong reminded the populace that security, peace and safety issues and concerns were no more the preserve of police organisations the world over.
He said policing or security issues were now a shared responsibility between the security services and the community.
“Against this background, therefore, the Police Administration wishes to appeal to all and sundry to see themselves as active stakeholders in providing security for themselves as well as the communities within which they live,” he said.
The Director-General of Operations, Mr Timbillah, appealed to all visiting teams, officials, supporters and tourists to endeavour to respect the laws of the country and not to hesitate to contact the police for any assistance or provide any useful information which would promote peace and a successful tournament.
He said the Sekondi venue was expected to pose the biggest security challenge relative to other match centres because the venue would be hosting next-door neighbours, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
Mr Timbillah said as a result, the Central Region had been drafted to support the security operations of Western Region while the Upper East and West regions would support the Northern Regional Command.
He said the other regions had been drafted to support the security operations of the venue nearest them.
He expressed the hope that Ghanaians would continue to display the legendary Ghanaian hospitality, generosity, care and love for the visitors and also cheer up the national team with a high level of decorum and respect the rule of law.
Mr Timbillah urged supporters to submit themselves to searches and desist from smuggling any unauthorised materials into the various stadia.
The acting Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Seth Oteng, has assured that the police in Kumasi would team up with other security apparatus to provide efficient and effective security to participating players, team officials and soccer fans who would be in Kumasi for the Ghana 2008 tournament to make the event memorable, George Ernest Asare reports from Kumasi
He told the Daily Graphic in an interview that as part of their efforts to enhance security in Kumasi, 500 policemen from the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) had been specially trained to build their skills to enable them offer effective protection to players, team officials and spectators who would converge at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the Ghana 2008 soccer fiesta.
Elaborating on preparations made so far by the police to enhance adequate security at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and other parts of the Kumasi Metropolis during the tournament, he said 200 others had also been trained to be in the stands to ensure that sanity prevails during matches.
Such policemen, he said, would be in mufti to prevent any form of identification by the soccer fans and potential troublemakers.
Mr Oteng said the stadium is well equipped with cells and other facilities that would make it possible for the police to arrest and detain anyone who attempts to cause trouble and create any chaos.
He said all the 27 entry points at the stadium would also be manned by policemen and women who would check soccer fans entering the stadium to prevent any form of ticket fraud, possession of offensive weapons and drugs, among others.
“ Policemen who would ride on horses would also be at vantage points and streets to offer security to the public during the tournament.
Mr Oteng said they would also be at the training grounds and hotels of the players and team officials to create a serene atmosphere that would enable them offer their best to make the tournament memorable.
“ We have tested our men and found that they are combat ready to offer the requisite protection that would create a serene atmosphere in Kumasi for the tournament to be very successful and memorable”, he added.
Michael Donkor reports that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have mapped out strategies to support the Local Organising Committee of the Ghana 2008 soccer fiesta to make it a success. The GAF has divided its role among its three arms, namely the Ghana Army, the Navy and the Airforce.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview at Burma Camp in Accra, the Deputy Director of the Ghana Armed Forces Public Relations Unit, Lt. Col. Mbawuni Atintande, said the army would deploy troops at all the stadia and playing grounds where the participating teams would be training to ensure their safety.
He said the army would also provide escort for the officials of the tournament as they travelled across the country while operation “calm life” which seeks to clamp down on the activities of armed robbers would be intensified.
He said the Armed Forces Band would also play the national anthems of Ghana and other participating countries before and after the start of every match.
Lt. Col. Atintande said the 48 Engineers Regiment would display fireworks during the opening and closing ceremonies and the Recce Regiment would also provide horses, some of which would be used for dispersing crowds.
The army, he further stated, would provide medical personnel who would be on standby at all the stadia in case any medical emergencies arise.
He said it was only when the case was very serious and critical that the injured would be carried to the hospital.
Lt. Col. Atintande said the Air Force would provide air transport to carry any casualty to the hospital as well as give support to the army in maintaining security.
The Navy, he said, would also intensify its sea operations to ensure that criminals did not take advantage of the occasion to engage in nefarious activities at sea, while the naval personnel would patrol the territorial waters of the country constantly to ensure security.
He, therefore, called on the public to co-operate with the GAF to ensure that they had an incident-free tournament.
NRSC CALLS FOR REVIEW OF ACCIDENT DATA COLLECTION (Back Page)
18/01/2008
Story: Mary Mensah
The acting Executive Director of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), Mr Noble J. Appiah, has called for a review of the collection and analysis of road traffic crash data.
He said the present system of crash data collection was not only expensive but time consuming.
Mr Appiah made the call when he presented road transport enforcement equipment valued at GH¢70,000 to the Ghana Police Service at a ceremony in Accra.
The items include 20 Alco metres for alcohol detection, speed radar guns for speeding, 21 height gauges for overloading, reflective jackets for policing and 18 reflective batons.
He said traffic crash data was an essential component in shaping policy formulation and enforcement tactics and charged the Police Administration to institute a mechanism to improve the present situation.
The acting director said while effective and visible traffic enforcement was critical in road safety management, it was arguably a weak link in road safety efforts.
He said the equipment would, therefore, contribute to building capacity in law enforcement of traffic regulations within the Police Service.
Mr Appiah indicated that as part of the NRSC Strategy II, efforts would be made to support both human and technical capacities and capabilities in the enforcement of traffic regulations.
He said this year, the NRSC would hold discussions with the Police Administration in order to introduce road safety module both in the National Police College and police training schools, adding that the commission would support with the provision of resource persons and materials and the development of course content.
Receiving the items, the Director-General of Technical Services, Commissioner of Police (COP) Yaw Adu Gyimah, thanked the NRSC for the equipment, which, he said, would go a long way to enhance the work of the police.
Story: Mary Mensah
The acting Executive Director of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), Mr Noble J. Appiah, has called for a review of the collection and analysis of road traffic crash data.
He said the present system of crash data collection was not only expensive but time consuming.
Mr Appiah made the call when he presented road transport enforcement equipment valued at GH¢70,000 to the Ghana Police Service at a ceremony in Accra.
The items include 20 Alco metres for alcohol detection, speed radar guns for speeding, 21 height gauges for overloading, reflective jackets for policing and 18 reflective batons.
He said traffic crash data was an essential component in shaping policy formulation and enforcement tactics and charged the Police Administration to institute a mechanism to improve the present situation.
The acting director said while effective and visible traffic enforcement was critical in road safety management, it was arguably a weak link in road safety efforts.
He said the equipment would, therefore, contribute to building capacity in law enforcement of traffic regulations within the Police Service.
Mr Appiah indicated that as part of the NRSC Strategy II, efforts would be made to support both human and technical capacities and capabilities in the enforcement of traffic regulations.
He said this year, the NRSC would hold discussions with the Police Administration in order to introduce road safety module both in the National Police College and police training schools, adding that the commission would support with the provision of resource persons and materials and the development of course content.
Receiving the items, the Director-General of Technical Services, Commissioner of Police (COP) Yaw Adu Gyimah, thanked the NRSC for the equipment, which, he said, would go a long way to enhance the work of the police.
MTTU IMPOUNDS MOTORBIKES (Page 3)
18/01/2008
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service yesterday impounded 101 unregistered motorbikes as part of a massive clamp down on suspected criminals in Accra.
Supt Solomon K. Ntim of the MTTU told the Daily Graphic that the exercise would be extended to cover the whole country, especially the four venues of the Ghana 2008 football tournament, to ensure that the motorbikes were not used for criminal purposes or to cause accidents on the roads during the tournament.
He said the operation would continue until the cities were rid of all motorbikes which did not have the requisite licences. He accused owners and users of those bikes of flouting laid down regulations, endangering the lives of members of the public and their own lives and using the bikes to engage in criminal activities.
In recent times, motorbikes, usually with two men on each, have become dangerous vehicles by which criminals snatch bags, mobile phones and other valuables from members of the public.
Supt Ntim said the motorbikes targeted were those which had either not been registered or had expired insurance covers.
He described as erroneous the thinking by some people that they could use their drivers’ licence for motorbikes and said it was an offence to do that.
Supt Ntim stated that previously a driver’s licence ‘A’ holder could drive any vehicle, but said with the new licence law, licence A permitted holders to drive only motorbikes, while licences B, C, D, E and F were for various types of vehicles.
He said in 2006, out of the 18,650 vehicles which were involved in accidents throughout the country, 828 were motorbikes, adding that the number increased in 2007.
“We are not discouraging people from using motorbikes, but we want the riders to know that if they use motorbikes, then it should be within the confines of the law in order to protect themselves and other road users,” he added.
“Henceforth, all motor riders are to note that it is a crime to ride without a licence and those found to be without licences will be put before court,” he said.
He advised all motorbike owners to register their bikes, insure them and acquire motor riders’ licences before putting them on the roads.
Supt Ntim said this year, as part of its traffic management role, the MTTU would also clamp down on the abuse of trade plates by individuals and groups.
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service yesterday impounded 101 unregistered motorbikes as part of a massive clamp down on suspected criminals in Accra.
Supt Solomon K. Ntim of the MTTU told the Daily Graphic that the exercise would be extended to cover the whole country, especially the four venues of the Ghana 2008 football tournament, to ensure that the motorbikes were not used for criminal purposes or to cause accidents on the roads during the tournament.
He said the operation would continue until the cities were rid of all motorbikes which did not have the requisite licences. He accused owners and users of those bikes of flouting laid down regulations, endangering the lives of members of the public and their own lives and using the bikes to engage in criminal activities.
In recent times, motorbikes, usually with two men on each, have become dangerous vehicles by which criminals snatch bags, mobile phones and other valuables from members of the public.
Supt Ntim said the motorbikes targeted were those which had either not been registered or had expired insurance covers.
He described as erroneous the thinking by some people that they could use their drivers’ licence for motorbikes and said it was an offence to do that.
Supt Ntim stated that previously a driver’s licence ‘A’ holder could drive any vehicle, but said with the new licence law, licence A permitted holders to drive only motorbikes, while licences B, C, D, E and F were for various types of vehicles.
He said in 2006, out of the 18,650 vehicles which were involved in accidents throughout the country, 828 were motorbikes, adding that the number increased in 2007.
“We are not discouraging people from using motorbikes, but we want the riders to know that if they use motorbikes, then it should be within the confines of the law in order to protect themselves and other road users,” he added.
“Henceforth, all motor riders are to note that it is a crime to ride without a licence and those found to be without licences will be put before court,” he said.
He advised all motorbike owners to register their bikes, insure them and acquire motor riders’ licences before putting them on the roads.
Supt Ntim said this year, as part of its traffic management role, the MTTU would also clamp down on the abuse of trade plates by individuals and groups.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
FIVE-DAY COURSE FOR POLICE PHOTOGRAPHERS ENDS
16/01/08
Story: Mary Mensah
A five-day training course for cameramen and crime scene management teams has ended in Accra with a call on them to be extra alert during the Ghana 2008 tournament.
The 30 CID personnel including five Senior Police Officers (SPO’s) were drawn from the regions and were taken through evidence gathering at crime scenes, practical introduction to equipment and techniques and special effects in camera photography, among others.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, said the importance of training to an institution like the police service could not be overemphasised and training for special events like the tournament was very crucial.
He said the service was commended after the Ghana at 50 celebrations and the African Union conference and noted that this was the result of prior special training received by the police.
Mr Acheampong stated that football management, administration or the act of spectating at football matches was an entirely different thing.
He said it was very important to tune the mind of the police, beginning with the management of crowds, which would be different at each of the four designated areas.
He said Ghanaian spectators would be joined by others from Africa and other parts of the world with divergence of cultural values and there was the need to be “extra alert and open your ears and eyes in order to avert trouble”.
The IGP said the Rapid Response Unit, General Deployment Force and the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) had all been trained and were ready for the task ahead.
The Director of Operations of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Superintendent Simon Afeku, said the course was practical oriented using video demonstrations of international and local crime scenes at football matches and the subsequent management of such scenes.
He said the participants would be deployed to the four tournament venues to help to avert crimes and added that the CID was in a good position to ensure professionalism at Ghana 2008 tournament.
Story: Mary Mensah
A five-day training course for cameramen and crime scene management teams has ended in Accra with a call on them to be extra alert during the Ghana 2008 tournament.
The 30 CID personnel including five Senior Police Officers (SPO’s) were drawn from the regions and were taken through evidence gathering at crime scenes, practical introduction to equipment and techniques and special effects in camera photography, among others.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, said the importance of training to an institution like the police service could not be overemphasised and training for special events like the tournament was very crucial.
He said the service was commended after the Ghana at 50 celebrations and the African Union conference and noted that this was the result of prior special training received by the police.
Mr Acheampong stated that football management, administration or the act of spectating at football matches was an entirely different thing.
He said it was very important to tune the mind of the police, beginning with the management of crowds, which would be different at each of the four designated areas.
He said Ghanaian spectators would be joined by others from Africa and other parts of the world with divergence of cultural values and there was the need to be “extra alert and open your ears and eyes in order to avert trouble”.
The IGP said the Rapid Response Unit, General Deployment Force and the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) had all been trained and were ready for the task ahead.
The Director of Operations of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Superintendent Simon Afeku, said the course was practical oriented using video demonstrations of international and local crime scenes at football matches and the subsequent management of such scenes.
He said the participants would be deployed to the four tournament venues to help to avert crimes and added that the CID was in a good position to ensure professionalism at Ghana 2008 tournament.
DIRECTOR GENERAL CID CAUTIONS PUBLIC (Inside Pages)
Story: Mary Mensah
The Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Mr Yaw Adu-Poku has cautioned members of the public to beware of a group of 419 operators in the country who used whitemen to fleece businessmen of thousands of cedis.
He said the modus operandi of the fraudsters was that they make fake foreign calls to the victims with the request that a whiteman in either Germany , England or the Netherlands wanted to buy either Shark oil, Moringa or Gingo seeds in Ghana.
He said the callers convince their targetted victims that the whiteman is willing to pay $450 for a bottle of the oil or a sachet of the seeds and that he knows a supplier of the goods who is either based in Koforidua, Swedru, Winneba or Suhum who sells it for $300 and you can make a profit of $150 on each sale.
Mr Adu-Poku said the caller will then linked you up with the whiteman and the supplier and will warn you that its a new lucrative business in town so if you inform anybody about the deal others might cash in on it.
He said after sometime the whiteman will call that he needed a large quantity of the products and want to know if you could be able to supply it at a short notice because he is a busy businessman.
The Director General said that if you agreed he will then inform you that he will be arriving in the country on a certain date and will give you flight number and time of arrival for you to meet him at the Airport.
While you were waiting at the Airport, a cap driver or a hotel attendant will call that a foreigner who just arrived in the country is waiting for you at a hotel or a restaurant.
When you reached the hotel the whiteman will either be drinking tea or eating a heavy lunch and he will explained that he had a lot of money on him and the Customs guys at the Airport were trying to give him problems so he called his Embassy and he was quickly whisked away to the spot.
The whiteman will first demand a sample of the product and the supplier will first collect $600 before giving it to you and when you send it to the whiteman he will tell you that this is a good stuff.
He will then inform you that he wanted about $100,000 worth of the products and he is in a hurry to purchase the goods and leave because he has a lot of businesses back home.
The supplier will not sell less than GH¢ 10,000 to you and will be willing to take post dated cheques for the rest of the money now while dealing with the supplier the whiteman will be pestering you that he was in a hurry to leave the country so you should hurry with the goods.
As soon as you part with the money to the supplier then they will all switched off their phones and if you follow up to the hotel you will be told that the whiteman came for either breakfast or lunch and that he does not stay there.
Mr Adu-Poku said every week the police received complaints from victims who happens to be well established businessmen adding that during the past week two businessmen lost ¢26,000 to the fraudsters.
The Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Mr Yaw Adu-Poku has cautioned members of the public to beware of a group of 419 operators in the country who used whitemen to fleece businessmen of thousands of cedis.
He said the modus operandi of the fraudsters was that they make fake foreign calls to the victims with the request that a whiteman in either Germany , England or the Netherlands wanted to buy either Shark oil, Moringa or Gingo seeds in Ghana.
He said the callers convince their targetted victims that the whiteman is willing to pay $450 for a bottle of the oil or a sachet of the seeds and that he knows a supplier of the goods who is either based in Koforidua, Swedru, Winneba or Suhum who sells it for $300 and you can make a profit of $150 on each sale.
Mr Adu-Poku said the caller will then linked you up with the whiteman and the supplier and will warn you that its a new lucrative business in town so if you inform anybody about the deal others might cash in on it.
He said after sometime the whiteman will call that he needed a large quantity of the products and want to know if you could be able to supply it at a short notice because he is a busy businessman.
The Director General said that if you agreed he will then inform you that he will be arriving in the country on a certain date and will give you flight number and time of arrival for you to meet him at the Airport.
While you were waiting at the Airport, a cap driver or a hotel attendant will call that a foreigner who just arrived in the country is waiting for you at a hotel or a restaurant.
When you reached the hotel the whiteman will either be drinking tea or eating a heavy lunch and he will explained that he had a lot of money on him and the Customs guys at the Airport were trying to give him problems so he called his Embassy and he was quickly whisked away to the spot.
The whiteman will first demand a sample of the product and the supplier will first collect $600 before giving it to you and when you send it to the whiteman he will tell you that this is a good stuff.
He will then inform you that he wanted about $100,000 worth of the products and he is in a hurry to purchase the goods and leave because he has a lot of businesses back home.
The supplier will not sell less than GH¢ 10,000 to you and will be willing to take post dated cheques for the rest of the money now while dealing with the supplier the whiteman will be pestering you that he was in a hurry to leave the country so you should hurry with the goods.
As soon as you part with the money to the supplier then they will all switched off their phones and if you follow up to the hotel you will be told that the whiteman came for either breakfast or lunch and that he does not stay there.
Mr Adu-Poku said every week the police received complaints from victims who happens to be well established businessmen adding that during the past week two businessmen lost ¢26,000 to the fraudsters.
NO ROOM FOR STANDING -POLICE BOSS WARNS FANS (Back Page)
Story: Mary Mensah
Spectators who will throng the four stadia hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (Ghana 2008) will not have the benefit of the “popular stands”, the Director-General of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Patrick Timbilla, has stated.
He said the practice whereby spectators could enter the stadia without tickets and have free seats or some place to stand to watch matches also belonged to the past.
DCOP Timbilla noted that all tickets had been numbered according to the seats in the various stadia and spectators would have to sit according to the numbers indicated on their tickets.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview in Accra yesterday, DCOP Timbilla, therefore, advised spectators to be mindful of that and buy tickets in groups if they wanted to sit in groups at the various stadia.
DCOP Timbilla said the security agencies had put in place a number of measures to ensure sanity at the four stadia and would not tolerate supporters who would try to take seats belonging to others by force to create confusion.
He said conventional rules the world over demanded that no alcoholic beverages were sold within and around any stadium and that only accredited sponsors would be allowed to display, advertise or exhibit their products and any insignia within and around the stadium to avoid ambush marketing.
The director-general said to ensure an enjoyable tournament, the Police Administration had re-structured its operational strategy from routine law enforcement and keeping the peace to a proactive paradigm that called for increased police visibility and accessibility through day and night patrols with the view to preventing crimes during the period of the tournament.
He appealed to all spectators to assist the police by submitting themselves to searches at the gates and desist from smuggling into the stadia any unauthorised materials.
DCOP Timbilla appealed to the visiting teams, officials, supporters and tourists to endeavour to respect the laws of the country and asked them not to hesitate in contacting the police for any assistance or providing useful information which would promote peace and a successful tournament.
He appealed to the public to assist the police in the discharge of their duties, adding, “In line with policing practices, security, peace, safety issues and concerns are no more the preserve of police organisations the world over. Policing or security is now a shared responsibility between the security services and the community or the general public.”
The director-general assured the general public that with a comprehensive security management planning in place, supported by a series of training, both locally and abroad, coupled with the high level of collaboration with other security agencies, the police were confident that they would measure up adequately to the task and ensure a successful tournament.
Spectators who will throng the four stadia hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (Ghana 2008) will not have the benefit of the “popular stands”, the Director-General of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Patrick Timbilla, has stated.
He said the practice whereby spectators could enter the stadia without tickets and have free seats or some place to stand to watch matches also belonged to the past.
DCOP Timbilla noted that all tickets had been numbered according to the seats in the various stadia and spectators would have to sit according to the numbers indicated on their tickets.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview in Accra yesterday, DCOP Timbilla, therefore, advised spectators to be mindful of that and buy tickets in groups if they wanted to sit in groups at the various stadia.
DCOP Timbilla said the security agencies had put in place a number of measures to ensure sanity at the four stadia and would not tolerate supporters who would try to take seats belonging to others by force to create confusion.
He said conventional rules the world over demanded that no alcoholic beverages were sold within and around any stadium and that only accredited sponsors would be allowed to display, advertise or exhibit their products and any insignia within and around the stadium to avoid ambush marketing.
The director-general said to ensure an enjoyable tournament, the Police Administration had re-structured its operational strategy from routine law enforcement and keeping the peace to a proactive paradigm that called for increased police visibility and accessibility through day and night patrols with the view to preventing crimes during the period of the tournament.
He appealed to all spectators to assist the police by submitting themselves to searches at the gates and desist from smuggling into the stadia any unauthorised materials.
DCOP Timbilla appealed to the visiting teams, officials, supporters and tourists to endeavour to respect the laws of the country and asked them not to hesitate in contacting the police for any assistance or providing useful information which would promote peace and a successful tournament.
He appealed to the public to assist the police in the discharge of their duties, adding, “In line with policing practices, security, peace, safety issues and concerns are no more the preserve of police organisations the world over. Policing or security is now a shared responsibility between the security services and the community or the general public.”
The director-general assured the general public that with a comprehensive security management planning in place, supported by a series of training, both locally and abroad, coupled with the high level of collaboration with other security agencies, the police were confident that they would measure up adequately to the task and ensure a successful tournament.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
NIGERIAN ARRESTED OVER FAKE GOLD DEAL (Back Page)
15/01/ 2008
Story: Mary Mensah
A 35-year-old Nigerian who claimed he had gold bars deposited at a security vault in Ghana and lured a Nigerien into the country on the pretext of helping him clear the consignment has been arrested by the Nima Police.
The suspect, Paul Ugo, allegedly told the complainant that he needed 4.5 million CFA to enable him to clear the goods from the Daniel Security Company in Accra.
Ugo was said to have stayed with the complainant in Niger from September, 2007 to date and the complainant spent 1.7 million CFA for the suspect’s upkeep and their transportation to Ghana.
According to the Nima Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Angwubotuge Awuni, in August last year, the suspect went to Niger and told the complainant that he had deposits of gold in Ghana and needed a partner because he intended to invest in that country.
He said Ugo told the complainant that he had established a gold mining company in Ghana with a Tunisian partner who died tragically so he had taken over the company.
To substantiate his claim, the suspect provided a death certificate of his supposed partner and other documents covering the company and said he needed the 4.5 million CFA for documentation and security charges in order to move the consignment to Niger.
The complainant then contacted a lawyer who advised that they should travel together to Ghana to verify things for themselves before investing any money.
On arrival in Ghana, they went to the Niger Embassy for advice on the issue and when the suspect was interrogated by the officials he gave conflicting responses.
Chief Superintendent Awuni said initially Ugo claimed to be a Gambian businessman by name Abubakari Ugo but he later said he was a Liberian refugee.
He said the embassy officials realised that he was a criminal so they handed him over to the police for further investigations into the issue.
Upon interrogation he broke down and told the police that he was a Nigerian who hailed from Enugu and that he was contracted to Algeria for some construction works.
He said on his return to Nigeria he ran out of money at Niger so he decided to find a means of survival.
The divisional commander warned members of the public to beware of fraudsters and 419 scammers who would cash in on the forthcoming Ghana 2008 tournament to dupe people.
Story: Mary Mensah
A 35-year-old Nigerian who claimed he had gold bars deposited at a security vault in Ghana and lured a Nigerien into the country on the pretext of helping him clear the consignment has been arrested by the Nima Police.
The suspect, Paul Ugo, allegedly told the complainant that he needed 4.5 million CFA to enable him to clear the goods from the Daniel Security Company in Accra.
Ugo was said to have stayed with the complainant in Niger from September, 2007 to date and the complainant spent 1.7 million CFA for the suspect’s upkeep and their transportation to Ghana.
According to the Nima Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Angwubotuge Awuni, in August last year, the suspect went to Niger and told the complainant that he had deposits of gold in Ghana and needed a partner because he intended to invest in that country.
He said Ugo told the complainant that he had established a gold mining company in Ghana with a Tunisian partner who died tragically so he had taken over the company.
To substantiate his claim, the suspect provided a death certificate of his supposed partner and other documents covering the company and said he needed the 4.5 million CFA for documentation and security charges in order to move the consignment to Niger.
The complainant then contacted a lawyer who advised that they should travel together to Ghana to verify things for themselves before investing any money.
On arrival in Ghana, they went to the Niger Embassy for advice on the issue and when the suspect was interrogated by the officials he gave conflicting responses.
Chief Superintendent Awuni said initially Ugo claimed to be a Gambian businessman by name Abubakari Ugo but he later said he was a Liberian refugee.
He said the embassy officials realised that he was a criminal so they handed him over to the police for further investigations into the issue.
Upon interrogation he broke down and told the police that he was a Nigerian who hailed from Enugu and that he was contracted to Algeria for some construction works.
He said on his return to Nigeria he ran out of money at Niger so he decided to find a means of survival.
The divisional commander warned members of the public to beware of fraudsters and 419 scammers who would cash in on the forthcoming Ghana 2008 tournament to dupe people.
FRAUDSTER WANTED BY POLICE (Back Page)
15/01/08
Story: Mary Mensah
The Operational Manager of Kudi Foundation, a micro finance company, is wanted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, for defrauding by false pretences.
The suspect, Rev. Michael Owireku Asamoah, is believed to be a member of the Christ Citadel Church at Achimota Mile 7 in Accra.
He is alleged to have collected various sums of money from traders under the pretext of offering them soft loans without collateral and bolted.
The Deputy Director-General of the CID, ACP Ken Yeboah, told the Daily Graphic that Kudi Foundation was a company that provided soft loans for market women and petty traders and that it started operations in Kumasi sometime ago.
He said the company was well established in Kumasi so the owners decided to open a branch in Accra and though they had acquired offices they had not started operating yet as they were awaiting funds from their financiers before kicking off.
Mr Yeboah said Rev Asamoah, who was employed as the Operational Manager, took advantage of the delay in starting the operations and managed to convince some of the traders that he could give out any amount of loan without a collateral and this attracted a number of traders.
He said the suspect demanded two per cent of the loan amount required by each applicant as facility fee for the processing of documents.
The deputy director said a trader requested for GH¢17,000 loan and she was made to pay GH¢340 as two per cent of the amount and asked to wait for sometime.
He said while waiting for the money she introduced another friend, a car dealer, and he also requested for GH¢100,000 and was made to pay GH¢2,000 as facility fee.
Mr Yeboah said after collecting the money, anytime they approached Asamoah for the loan he told them to come back in a week’s time and when the money was not forthcoming they informed the CEO of the foundation.
He told them that the company had not started operating yet so they should look for Rev Asamoah and collect their money from him.
He said when all efforts to apprehend him had failed a report was made to the police and investigations so far had revealed that a number of traders had also fallen victim to the activities of the suspect.
He said the suspect was believed to be hiding in either Pokuase or Kumasi and appealed to any member of the public with information about his whereabouts to report to the CID headquarters in Accra.
Story: Mary Mensah
The Operational Manager of Kudi Foundation, a micro finance company, is wanted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, for defrauding by false pretences.
The suspect, Rev. Michael Owireku Asamoah, is believed to be a member of the Christ Citadel Church at Achimota Mile 7 in Accra.
He is alleged to have collected various sums of money from traders under the pretext of offering them soft loans without collateral and bolted.
The Deputy Director-General of the CID, ACP Ken Yeboah, told the Daily Graphic that Kudi Foundation was a company that provided soft loans for market women and petty traders and that it started operations in Kumasi sometime ago.
He said the company was well established in Kumasi so the owners decided to open a branch in Accra and though they had acquired offices they had not started operating yet as they were awaiting funds from their financiers before kicking off.
Mr Yeboah said Rev Asamoah, who was employed as the Operational Manager, took advantage of the delay in starting the operations and managed to convince some of the traders that he could give out any amount of loan without a collateral and this attracted a number of traders.
He said the suspect demanded two per cent of the loan amount required by each applicant as facility fee for the processing of documents.
The deputy director said a trader requested for GH¢17,000 loan and she was made to pay GH¢340 as two per cent of the amount and asked to wait for sometime.
He said while waiting for the money she introduced another friend, a car dealer, and he also requested for GH¢100,000 and was made to pay GH¢2,000 as facility fee.
Mr Yeboah said after collecting the money, anytime they approached Asamoah for the loan he told them to come back in a week’s time and when the money was not forthcoming they informed the CEO of the foundation.
He told them that the company had not started operating yet so they should look for Rev Asamoah and collect their money from him.
He said when all efforts to apprehend him had failed a report was made to the police and investigations so far had revealed that a number of traders had also fallen victim to the activities of the suspect.
He said the suspect was believed to be hiding in either Pokuase or Kumasi and appealed to any member of the public with information about his whereabouts to report to the CID headquarters in Accra.
Monday, January 14, 2008
IGP CAUTIONS DISPATCH RIDERS (CENTER PAGE)
9/01/2008
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, has called on dispatch riders to be cautious, patient and alert during the Ghana 2008 football tournament.
He said in times like that, people ignored the sirens and it became very difficult to control crowds, especially when supporters lined up the streets to catch a glimpse or shake the hands of their favourite players.
The IGP made the call when he closed a three-day refresher course organised for 75 dispatch riders and five senior police officers in preparation for the tournament at the national headquarters of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra yesterday.
The course was designed to sharpen the skills of the riders to meet the high demands of Ghana 2008 and beyond.
Mr Acheampong said the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the tournament expected more than one million visitors, including coaches, tourists and media practitioners, from all over the world and that the riders were expected to escort the various teams and other VIPs from their various hotels to the stadia and back.
He said this year promised to be more challenging for the Police Service but noted that with hard work and perseverance, it would be able to overcome them.
He said the first important task facing the service now was the tournament, which would be followed in April by the UN conference on trade and finally the general election in December.
Mr Acheampong said it was important for the police to organise training programmes frequently in order to be abreast of international standards.
The Commander of the MTTU, ACP Daniel Avorga, said apart from its preparation for Ghana 2008, his outfit would clamp down on the abuse of number plates by individuals and groups.
He said a lot of attention would be directed at persons who used their motorbikes for commercial purposes and warned those who were doing that to desist from the act.
ACP Avorga said the wearing of seat belts would also be vigorously enforced to guarantee safety to all road users.
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, has called on dispatch riders to be cautious, patient and alert during the Ghana 2008 football tournament.
He said in times like that, people ignored the sirens and it became very difficult to control crowds, especially when supporters lined up the streets to catch a glimpse or shake the hands of their favourite players.
The IGP made the call when he closed a three-day refresher course organised for 75 dispatch riders and five senior police officers in preparation for the tournament at the national headquarters of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra yesterday.
The course was designed to sharpen the skills of the riders to meet the high demands of Ghana 2008 and beyond.
Mr Acheampong said the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the tournament expected more than one million visitors, including coaches, tourists and media practitioners, from all over the world and that the riders were expected to escort the various teams and other VIPs from their various hotels to the stadia and back.
He said this year promised to be more challenging for the Police Service but noted that with hard work and perseverance, it would be able to overcome them.
He said the first important task facing the service now was the tournament, which would be followed in April by the UN conference on trade and finally the general election in December.
Mr Acheampong said it was important for the police to organise training programmes frequently in order to be abreast of international standards.
The Commander of the MTTU, ACP Daniel Avorga, said apart from its preparation for Ghana 2008, his outfit would clamp down on the abuse of number plates by individuals and groups.
He said a lot of attention would be directed at persons who used their motorbikes for commercial purposes and warned those who were doing that to desist from the act.
ACP Avorga said the wearing of seat belts would also be vigorously enforced to guarantee safety to all road users.
Monday, January 7, 2008
EX-VALCO WORKER AND NEPHEW KILLED BY ROBBERS(Back Page)
Story: Mary Mensah
A former employee of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) was shot dead together with his nephew at his residence at the Regimanuel Gray Estates at Tema Community 18, during the early hours of yesterday.
The victims — Alhaji Mumuni Hamidu, 56, and Dauda Mohammed, a 20 year-old Computer Science student of the University of Development Studies (USD) — were shot in the abdomen and head respectively.
The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Adu Poku, told the Daily Graphic that two men, wielding guns, besieged the house of the deceased at about 2:30 a.m.
He said the gunmen first entered House Number S7, which was next to the deceased house, but did not attack the inmates.
They rather scaled the wall into the deceased house which was number S8, DCOP Adu Poku said.
According to him, the two men broke the back door which led into the kitchen and entered the main hall where they found Dauda sleeping and ordered him at gunpoint to take them to his uncle’s bedroom.
DCOP Adu Poku said Dauda led them to the bedroom door and they broke into the room where the deceased and his wife were sleeping.
He said the deceased, who was visually impaired, got up from the bed and started struggling with the two men who had pointed a gun at him.
The wife managed to sneak into the bathroom and locked the door and while there, she heard two gunshots after which the gunmen left the room.
He said the after waiting for sometime, the wife came out of the bathroom and first saw her nephew lying in a pool of blood with a bullet wound on his head.
The police officer said the woman also found her husband covered with blood from a shot in his abdomen.
She then started screaming, which attracted neighbours to the scene and who conveyed the victims to the Tema General Hospital, where there were pronounced dead.
The bodies have since been deposited at the Tema General Hospital mortuary for autopsy while investigations continue.
A former employee of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) was shot dead together with his nephew at his residence at the Regimanuel Gray Estates at Tema Community 18, during the early hours of yesterday.
The victims — Alhaji Mumuni Hamidu, 56, and Dauda Mohammed, a 20 year-old Computer Science student of the University of Development Studies (USD) — were shot in the abdomen and head respectively.
The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Adu Poku, told the Daily Graphic that two men, wielding guns, besieged the house of the deceased at about 2:30 a.m.
He said the gunmen first entered House Number S7, which was next to the deceased house, but did not attack the inmates.
They rather scaled the wall into the deceased house which was number S8, DCOP Adu Poku said.
According to him, the two men broke the back door which led into the kitchen and entered the main hall where they found Dauda sleeping and ordered him at gunpoint to take them to his uncle’s bedroom.
DCOP Adu Poku said Dauda led them to the bedroom door and they broke into the room where the deceased and his wife were sleeping.
He said the deceased, who was visually impaired, got up from the bed and started struggling with the two men who had pointed a gun at him.
The wife managed to sneak into the bathroom and locked the door and while there, she heard two gunshots after which the gunmen left the room.
He said the after waiting for sometime, the wife came out of the bathroom and first saw her nephew lying in a pool of blood with a bullet wound on his head.
The police officer said the woman also found her husband covered with blood from a shot in his abdomen.
She then started screaming, which attracted neighbours to the scene and who conveyed the victims to the Tema General Hospital, where there were pronounced dead.
The bodies have since been deposited at the Tema General Hospital mortuary for autopsy while investigations continue.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
HUGE POLICE PRESENCE AT NPP CONGRESS (FRONT PAGE)
19/12/2007
Huge police presence at NPP congress
Story: Mary Mensah,
A Large number of policemen have been deployed at the University of Ghana campus to provide maximum security to ensure peace at the delegates conference of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The policemen, who were deployed on Thursday, were drawn from the Critical Intelligent Unit, the Panthers Unit, the Rapid Deployment Force, the Armour Car Squadron and the Operational Units of the Greater Accra Regional Police Command.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, disclosed this in an interview at Dodowa. He said the operations would have a command centre on the university campus to co-ordinate all security operations.
He indicated that the Director-General of Operations of the Police Service, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Patrick Timbilla, and the Accra Regional Police Commander, DCOP Opare Addo, would be at the helm of affairs.
The IGP said the policemen would embark on vehicular and foot patrols at the various halls where the delegates and aspirants would lodge.
Mr Acheampong said checkpoints and barriers would also be mounted on the main Legon road and some spots within the university campus to search for weapons, drugs and other dangerous implements to forestall any eventuality.
He said in the past, delegates conferences were conducted in a peaceful and organised manner which did not warrant any police presence there, “but now things have changed because supporters of an aspirant can attack supporters of other aspirants, which can result in casualties".
He said some robbers might take advantage of the situation to steal and warned that the police would leave no stone unturned to ensure a successful congress.
The IGP gave the assurance that the police were on top of the situation and would ensure that delegates and aspirants had a peaceful stay .
On security measures for the Christmas and the Ghana 2008 tournament, the IGP said security men would be deployed in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Sekondi-Takoradi from December 15, 2007 to February 25, 2008.
He said their operations could cause disruptions in traffic management and appealed to members of the public to bear with the police.
For his part, DCOP Timbilla said a comprehensive traffic management plan had been put in place to ease traffic during the NPP congress on Saturday.
He said to that end, enough Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) men would be deployed at all intersections and the various corridors to manage the traffic.
Huge police presence at NPP congress
Story: Mary Mensah,
A Large number of policemen have been deployed at the University of Ghana campus to provide maximum security to ensure peace at the delegates conference of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The policemen, who were deployed on Thursday, were drawn from the Critical Intelligent Unit, the Panthers Unit, the Rapid Deployment Force, the Armour Car Squadron and the Operational Units of the Greater Accra Regional Police Command.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, disclosed this in an interview at Dodowa. He said the operations would have a command centre on the university campus to co-ordinate all security operations.
He indicated that the Director-General of Operations of the Police Service, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Patrick Timbilla, and the Accra Regional Police Commander, DCOP Opare Addo, would be at the helm of affairs.
The IGP said the policemen would embark on vehicular and foot patrols at the various halls where the delegates and aspirants would lodge.
Mr Acheampong said checkpoints and barriers would also be mounted on the main Legon road and some spots within the university campus to search for weapons, drugs and other dangerous implements to forestall any eventuality.
He said in the past, delegates conferences were conducted in a peaceful and organised manner which did not warrant any police presence there, “but now things have changed because supporters of an aspirant can attack supporters of other aspirants, which can result in casualties".
He said some robbers might take advantage of the situation to steal and warned that the police would leave no stone unturned to ensure a successful congress.
The IGP gave the assurance that the police were on top of the situation and would ensure that delegates and aspirants had a peaceful stay .
On security measures for the Christmas and the Ghana 2008 tournament, the IGP said security men would be deployed in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Sekondi-Takoradi from December 15, 2007 to February 25, 2008.
He said their operations could cause disruptions in traffic management and appealed to members of the public to bear with the police.
For his part, DCOP Timbilla said a comprehensive traffic management plan had been put in place to ease traffic during the NPP congress on Saturday.
He said to that end, enough Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) men would be deployed at all intersections and the various corridors to manage the traffic.
IGP ASSURES GHANAIANS
03/01/2008
Story: Mary Mensah
The Police Administration has assured Ghanaians that it has put in place effective crime prevention and control measures to fight crime from all fronts in 2008.
Consequently, all police commands in the regions, divisions and districts throughout the country would be involved in serious intelligent gathering particularly in crime-prone areas and criminal hideouts.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, giving a new year message through the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, said the police would forge partnerships with the public to win their support.
He said it was worthy to note that in line with policing practices, security, peace and safety issues and concerns are no longer the preserve of the police organisations the world over, “Policing or security is now a shared responsibility between the security services and the communities or general public.”
The IGP, therefore, appealed to all to see themselves as active stakeholders in providing security for themselves and the communities within which they live.
He said the general attitude and professional conduct of police personnel would be upgraded to meet the expectations of the public.
On Ghana 2008, Mr Acheampong said a comprehensive security management planning, supported by series of training, both locally and abroad, had been put in place by the security agencies to ensure a successful tournament.
He said the police together with the relevant stakeholders have adopted a multi-agency approach and efforts would be made to ensure adequate peace and security within the cities and on the highways, good accommodation, desirable sanitation and effective communication among others.
“The Police Administration wishes to appeal to all the visiting teams, officials supporters and tourists to endeavour to respect the laws of the country and not to hesitate to contact the police for any assistance or to provide any useful information which would promote peace and a successful tournament,” he said.
To the Ghanaian public, the IGP said the Police Administration would expect support and co-operation to handle the expected large number of visitors to the country for the tournament.
He expressed the hope that Ghanaians would continue to display their legendary hospitality, generosity, care and love for the visitors and to cheer up the Black Stars with a high level of decorum, and respect for the rule of law.
Story: Mary Mensah
The Police Administration has assured Ghanaians that it has put in place effective crime prevention and control measures to fight crime from all fronts in 2008.
Consequently, all police commands in the regions, divisions and districts throughout the country would be involved in serious intelligent gathering particularly in crime-prone areas and criminal hideouts.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, giving a new year message through the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, said the police would forge partnerships with the public to win their support.
He said it was worthy to note that in line with policing practices, security, peace and safety issues and concerns are no longer the preserve of the police organisations the world over, “Policing or security is now a shared responsibility between the security services and the communities or general public.”
The IGP, therefore, appealed to all to see themselves as active stakeholders in providing security for themselves and the communities within which they live.
He said the general attitude and professional conduct of police personnel would be upgraded to meet the expectations of the public.
On Ghana 2008, Mr Acheampong said a comprehensive security management planning, supported by series of training, both locally and abroad, had been put in place by the security agencies to ensure a successful tournament.
He said the police together with the relevant stakeholders have adopted a multi-agency approach and efforts would be made to ensure adequate peace and security within the cities and on the highways, good accommodation, desirable sanitation and effective communication among others.
“The Police Administration wishes to appeal to all the visiting teams, officials supporters and tourists to endeavour to respect the laws of the country and not to hesitate to contact the police for any assistance or to provide any useful information which would promote peace and a successful tournament,” he said.
To the Ghanaian public, the IGP said the Police Administration would expect support and co-operation to handle the expected large number of visitors to the country for the tournament.
He expressed the hope that Ghanaians would continue to display their legendary hospitality, generosity, care and love for the visitors and to cheer up the Black Stars with a high level of decorum, and respect for the rule of law.
US NAVY TRAINS GHANAIAN NAVY
20/11/2007
Story: Mary Mensah
The Africa Partnership Station (APS), an initiative recently launched by the United States to support regional maritime security and safety in West and Central Africa, has begun training Ghanaian Naval Officers at Tema.
The APS is a floating continuing education and training facility located on board the USS Fort McHenry, a 185-metre dock landing ship normally used to support amphibious operations which is expected to impart knowledge on issues such as maritime security and fisheries protection to Ghanaian Naval officers.
At a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a clinic at the Tema Naval Base before the opening of the training programme, the American Ambassador to Ghana, Ms Pamela Bridgewater, said the APS was an expanded effort by the United States Department of Defence and multiple civilian organisations to bring staff training to Africa.
She said APS demonstrated the dedicated partnership in the region and signalled the continuing co-operation between the governments of the United States, Ghana and other Gulf of Guinea nations.
Ms Bridgewater said APS also represented the first fruits of the new parent command, AFRICOM, and would serve as a first step to demonstrate its shared goals to meet African Security issues with African solutions.
She stated that the clinic, which was estimated to cost $120,000 aside labour, was expected to be completed in March, next year. It would provide medical assistance to the military and civilian community in the Tema Naval base area. She said labour would be provided by the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“Once completed it will be the centre of a community outreach programme jointly run by the international NGO, Project Hope, and doctors from the US Navy,” she said.
The Deputy Defence Minster, Mr Boafo, said about eight years ago the US Navy demonstrated its care by building a clinic at the Southern Naval Base at Sekondi.
He said the construction of the clinic at the Eastern Naval Base in Tema would greatly reduce the burden on the 37 Military Hospital.
He said the US government was running a number of programmes for the Ghana Army in terms of training and urged them to extend the assistance to the Ghana Airforce too.
‘We will no longer travel to the United States to learn naval manoeuvres but will now learn in our own waters with the arrival of the APS in the country,” he said.
The Deputy Minister expressed the appreciation of the government of Ghana to the US government for the continuous support and assistance.
Commander John Nowell of the APS said maritime insecurity in Africa impacted the global community because world trade travelled predominantly by water and forged a global maritime link.
He said the safety, economic security and prosperity of all nations depended on the secure use of the world’s oceans but this could also be used to threaten the security of the people everywhere.
He said maritime insecurity caused by unlawful fishing, illegal drug trafficking, arms and human trafficking, oil smuggling, environmental destruction, piracy and illegal seaborne immigration jeopardised economic development and long-term stability.
Commander Nowell said the APS made its first stop in Dakar Senegal from where they moved to Liberia and Ghana and were expected to go to Cameroon, Gabon, and Sao Tome and Principe.
It is expected to train 120 Naval Officers each in all the countries they would be visiting.
He said the training teams would work to improve professionalism in four key areas of maritime domain awareness, professionalism, infrastructure and enforcement.
The goal, he said, would be to impart the needed skills for African navies to patrol and maintain their own exclusive economic zones in the sense of maritime safety and security to stop illegal fishing and to combat smuggling, which had become a billion-dollar industry off the West Coast of Africa.
Story: Mary Mensah
The Africa Partnership Station (APS), an initiative recently launched by the United States to support regional maritime security and safety in West and Central Africa, has begun training Ghanaian Naval Officers at Tema.
The APS is a floating continuing education and training facility located on board the USS Fort McHenry, a 185-metre dock landing ship normally used to support amphibious operations which is expected to impart knowledge on issues such as maritime security and fisheries protection to Ghanaian Naval officers.
At a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a clinic at the Tema Naval Base before the opening of the training programme, the American Ambassador to Ghana, Ms Pamela Bridgewater, said the APS was an expanded effort by the United States Department of Defence and multiple civilian organisations to bring staff training to Africa.
She said APS demonstrated the dedicated partnership in the region and signalled the continuing co-operation between the governments of the United States, Ghana and other Gulf of Guinea nations.
Ms Bridgewater said APS also represented the first fruits of the new parent command, AFRICOM, and would serve as a first step to demonstrate its shared goals to meet African Security issues with African solutions.
She stated that the clinic, which was estimated to cost $120,000 aside labour, was expected to be completed in March, next year. It would provide medical assistance to the military and civilian community in the Tema Naval base area. She said labour would be provided by the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“Once completed it will be the centre of a community outreach programme jointly run by the international NGO, Project Hope, and doctors from the US Navy,” she said.
The Deputy Defence Minster, Mr Boafo, said about eight years ago the US Navy demonstrated its care by building a clinic at the Southern Naval Base at Sekondi.
He said the construction of the clinic at the Eastern Naval Base in Tema would greatly reduce the burden on the 37 Military Hospital.
He said the US government was running a number of programmes for the Ghana Army in terms of training and urged them to extend the assistance to the Ghana Airforce too.
‘We will no longer travel to the United States to learn naval manoeuvres but will now learn in our own waters with the arrival of the APS in the country,” he said.
The Deputy Minister expressed the appreciation of the government of Ghana to the US government for the continuous support and assistance.
Commander John Nowell of the APS said maritime insecurity in Africa impacted the global community because world trade travelled predominantly by water and forged a global maritime link.
He said the safety, economic security and prosperity of all nations depended on the secure use of the world’s oceans but this could also be used to threaten the security of the people everywhere.
He said maritime insecurity caused by unlawful fishing, illegal drug trafficking, arms and human trafficking, oil smuggling, environmental destruction, piracy and illegal seaborne immigration jeopardised economic development and long-term stability.
Commander Nowell said the APS made its first stop in Dakar Senegal from where they moved to Liberia and Ghana and were expected to go to Cameroon, Gabon, and Sao Tome and Principe.
It is expected to train 120 Naval Officers each in all the countries they would be visiting.
He said the training teams would work to improve professionalism in four key areas of maritime domain awareness, professionalism, infrastructure and enforcement.
The goal, he said, would be to impart the needed skills for African navies to patrol and maintain their own exclusive economic zones in the sense of maritime safety and security to stop illegal fishing and to combat smuggling, which had become a billion-dollar industry off the West Coast of Africa.
ANTI TERRORISM COURSE FOR POLICE OPENS
27/11/2007.
Story: Mary Mensah
A Counter Terrorism Professional Development Course to equip the Ghana Police with skills to enable them measure up to the security challenges for CAN 2008 has opened in Accra.
The course is being organised by the Cranfield University of the United Kingdom in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Police Service.
The participants are expected to be taken through the global threats from international terrorism, specific threats to Ghana terrorism and crime scene management among others.
Opening the course in Accra today, DCOP Patrick Timbilla, Director General of Police Operations indicated that this is the third in a series of courses that has been organised for the police to draw up a comprehensive plan for the security management of the tournament.
He said the uniqueness of the course is two fold, “ first of all it is not only for the purpose of CAN 2008 but for the participants to update their knowledge of investigative techniques for anti-terrorism investigations”.
He said secondly participants includes instructors from all police training institutions and this will help to improve their lesson plans for criminal investigations and this will go along way to improve recruit learning in the training institutions.
The Director General said the course would assist the police to prepare themselves against any attempt of terrorism in the country.
He thanked the British government for their continues immense assistance to the Ghana Police Service and the Ministry of Finance for releasing funds for training programmes for Ghana 2008.
Mr Keith Weston, one of the three resource persons from Cranfield stated that the more a country participates in international events it becomes vulnerable to terrorism attacks.
He said the course will help Ghana to come out with a workable solutions in case of any eventuality.
Story: Mary Mensah
A Counter Terrorism Professional Development Course to equip the Ghana Police with skills to enable them measure up to the security challenges for CAN 2008 has opened in Accra.
The course is being organised by the Cranfield University of the United Kingdom in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Police Service.
The participants are expected to be taken through the global threats from international terrorism, specific threats to Ghana terrorism and crime scene management among others.
Opening the course in Accra today, DCOP Patrick Timbilla, Director General of Police Operations indicated that this is the third in a series of courses that has been organised for the police to draw up a comprehensive plan for the security management of the tournament.
He said the uniqueness of the course is two fold, “ first of all it is not only for the purpose of CAN 2008 but for the participants to update their knowledge of investigative techniques for anti-terrorism investigations”.
He said secondly participants includes instructors from all police training institutions and this will help to improve their lesson plans for criminal investigations and this will go along way to improve recruit learning in the training institutions.
The Director General said the course would assist the police to prepare themselves against any attempt of terrorism in the country.
He thanked the British government for their continues immense assistance to the Ghana Police Service and the Ministry of Finance for releasing funds for training programmes for Ghana 2008.
Mr Keith Weston, one of the three resource persons from Cranfield stated that the more a country participates in international events it becomes vulnerable to terrorism attacks.
He said the course will help Ghana to come out with a workable solutions in case of any eventuality.
IGP DONATES
27/12/2007
Story & Pix: Mary Mensah, Dodowa
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, yesterday presented a cow, assorted food items worth ¢20 million and a cash of ¢300 to the Women Refuge and Child Survival Africa, an NGO based at Dodowa.
The items were contributions made by the IGP, his office staff and the Public Affairs Directorate to assist the NGO which caters for battered women and abused children.
He also announced that a club would be formed at the police headquarters to contribute money to offer monthly assistance to the home to put smiles on the faces of the children and women.
The IGP also promised to provide the shelter with a television set before the beginning of CAN 2008 to enable them to watch the matches and other educative programmes.
The Proprietor of the NGO, Mrs Jane Adu, thanked the IGP and his staff for the gesture and called on other organisations and individuals to go to the aid of the home.
She said currently the shelter was taking care of about 45 abandoned children and five battered women, adding that since the setting up of the shelter some six years ago she had been financing its activities from her own meagre resources.
She appealed for assistance from the public to enable the shelter to meet its requirements.
Pix: The IGP, Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, presenting the items to the Proprietor of the shelter, Mrs Jane Adu, as some members of staff of the IGP office and the children look on.
Story & Pix: Mary Mensah, Dodowa
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, yesterday presented a cow, assorted food items worth ¢20 million and a cash of ¢300 to the Women Refuge and Child Survival Africa, an NGO based at Dodowa.
The items were contributions made by the IGP, his office staff and the Public Affairs Directorate to assist the NGO which caters for battered women and abused children.
He also announced that a club would be formed at the police headquarters to contribute money to offer monthly assistance to the home to put smiles on the faces of the children and women.
The IGP also promised to provide the shelter with a television set before the beginning of CAN 2008 to enable them to watch the matches and other educative programmes.
The Proprietor of the NGO, Mrs Jane Adu, thanked the IGP and his staff for the gesture and called on other organisations and individuals to go to the aid of the home.
She said currently the shelter was taking care of about 45 abandoned children and five battered women, adding that since the setting up of the shelter some six years ago she had been financing its activities from her own meagre resources.
She appealed for assistance from the public to enable the shelter to meet its requirements.
Pix: The IGP, Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, presenting the items to the Proprietor of the shelter, Mrs Jane Adu, as some members of staff of the IGP office and the children look on.
CRIME SITUATION UNDER CONTROL (PAGE 3)
31/12/2007
Story: Mary Mensah
THE crime situation within the Accra metropolis during the Christmas festivities was reduced following stringent security measures that were put in place by the security agencies, the Accra Regional Crime Officer, Chief Superintendent Boi-Bi-Boi, has noted.
From December 19, 2007 to date only five minor robberies have been recorded in the metropolis and its environs.
In an interview in Accra yesterday, Chief Supt Boi-Bi-Boi said compared to previous years, and even the weeks prior to the festivities, this year was better.
He said the police recorded two residential robberies, two street robberies and one car jacking during the period.
Chief Supt Boi-Bi-Boi said the robberies were recorded at Papase, near Amasaman, Madina, the Swanlake area in North Kaneshie, Pig Farm and Accra Central.
According to him, the operational strategies that were put in place by the security agencies largely accounted for the reduction in crime.
He said security was beefed up within the metropolis with military and police personnel placed at all intersections to send signals to the criminals that the security agencies were firmly on the ground.
He said day and night patrols were also intensified, with the patrol teams embarking on foot patrols at areas noted to be prone to crime, saying that must have warded off the criminals.
Chief Supt Boi-Bi-Boi said the exercise would be sustained to cover the period of the Ghana 2008 soccer fiesta.
He said from January the security agencies would be on high alert to ensure that visitors and tourists to the country for the tournament would go about in the city freely.
Story: Mary Mensah
THE crime situation within the Accra metropolis during the Christmas festivities was reduced following stringent security measures that were put in place by the security agencies, the Accra Regional Crime Officer, Chief Superintendent Boi-Bi-Boi, has noted.
From December 19, 2007 to date only five minor robberies have been recorded in the metropolis and its environs.
In an interview in Accra yesterday, Chief Supt Boi-Bi-Boi said compared to previous years, and even the weeks prior to the festivities, this year was better.
He said the police recorded two residential robberies, two street robberies and one car jacking during the period.
Chief Supt Boi-Bi-Boi said the robberies were recorded at Papase, near Amasaman, Madina, the Swanlake area in North Kaneshie, Pig Farm and Accra Central.
According to him, the operational strategies that were put in place by the security agencies largely accounted for the reduction in crime.
He said security was beefed up within the metropolis with military and police personnel placed at all intersections to send signals to the criminals that the security agencies were firmly on the ground.
He said day and night patrols were also intensified, with the patrol teams embarking on foot patrols at areas noted to be prone to crime, saying that must have warded off the criminals.
Chief Supt Boi-Bi-Boi said the exercise would be sustained to cover the period of the Ghana 2008 soccer fiesta.
He said from January the security agencies would be on high alert to ensure that visitors and tourists to the country for the tournament would go about in the city freely.
DUSK-TO-DAWN CURFEW IN BAWKU
02/01/2008
Story: Mary Mensah
A dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed on Bawku, Zabzugu and Garu in the Upper East Region following communal violence and killing in the towns.
That followed a meeting between the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and some traditional leaders in the area after a reported case of armed robbery erupted into a bloody ethnic conflict between Mamprusis and Kusasis, the two dominant groups in the towns.
Police sources in Accra told the Daily Graphic that three people had been confirmed dead in the riots, but unconfirmed reports in Bawku put the number at nine.
The REGSEC officials and the traditional leaders are also holding a meeting with the regional minister and the police and military commanders to restore peace and security in the towns.
Confirming the mayhem and anarchy that also led to the burning of houses, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Acheampong, said his men and some military men in the three northern regions had been working around the clock to bring the situation under control.
The IGP said reinforcement from the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions was also on the way to Bawku to beef up the security in the town and further stabilise the situation.
He said seven persons were on admission, while 11 had so far been arrested to assist the police in their investigations.
He explained that the incident began as an armed robbery attack perpetrated by two Fulanis wielding AK47 assault rifles.
Mr Acheampong said while the Samanpid Festival was being celebrated, the two robbers attacked inmates of two households at Yarmiriga, which is at the outskirts of Bawku.
He said the two robbers, who were believed to be domiciled nearby, shot and killed two innocent civilians who recognised them.
He said the incident was reported to the police, who rushed to the scene, but by then the two robbers had escaped on a motorbike, amidst the firing of guns.
The IGP said there was misinformation in town that an ethnic conflict had erupted between the Mamprusis and the Kusasis and that led to tension in the Bawku municipality and its environs.
He said a number of houses belonging to both groups had been burnt and there was mass violence, anarchy and indiscriminate firing in the town but the police and the military moved in quickly and had been working around the clock to bring the situation under control and return it to normalcy.
Mr Acheampong said the three Regional Police Commanders from the Upper West, Upper East and the Northern regions and their military counterparts met with the Bawku Naaba, Abugrago Asigiri Azoka II, his elders and opinion leaders at the Naaba’s palace and appealed to them to talk to their subjects to bring peace to Bawku.
He said while a police reinforcement was on its way to beef up security, it was attacked by some youth who had mounted illegal roadblocks on the way and smashed the windscreen of the Tata bus that was conveying the policemen.
Mr Acheampong said there had been indiscriminate shooting at Posum, Patalemi, Sabongeri and Zabzugu and appealed to those concerned to return all weapons in their possession to the police.
Three of the deaths occurred last Monday, while the rest occurred yesterday when the shooting intensified.
At the time of filing this report, there were heavy sounds of gunshots in Bawku, which had compelled the REGSEC to bring in reinforcement of 35 military men with the aid of a military helicopter.
The violence erupted when the Kusasis, the most dominant ethnic group in Bawku, had finished celebrating their Samanpid Festival, which the Mamprusis were believed to be against.
The Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP Ofosu Mensah Gyeabuor, had earlier confirmed to the Daily Graphic that 14 houses had been burnt, while a house and a corn mill were reported burnt at Garu in the Garu District.
He indicated that as the violence escalated, his office ensured that more security men, both military and the police, were brought in as reinforcement.
He appealed to politicians from both sides of the conflict to be mindful of their utterances because any unguarded utterances could be detrimental to the peace in the area.
Earlier, the Regional Minister, Mr Alhassan Samari, had led a team of military cum police officials to Bawku to assess the situation.
He was accompanied by the Northern Regional Police Commander, Mr Ephraim Brakatu, the Regional Security Co-ordinator, Mr Ahmed A. Mumuni, the Sub-Officer of the Northern Regional Command of the Ghana Air Force, Lt Coleman Arvine Aryeetey, among other officials.
Meanwhile, reports gathered by the Daily Graphic revealed that the death of the three people on Monday, as reported by the paper, was as a result of an armed robbery attack.
Story: Mary Mensah
A dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed on Bawku, Zabzugu and Garu in the Upper East Region following communal violence and killing in the towns.
That followed a meeting between the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and some traditional leaders in the area after a reported case of armed robbery erupted into a bloody ethnic conflict between Mamprusis and Kusasis, the two dominant groups in the towns.
Police sources in Accra told the Daily Graphic that three people had been confirmed dead in the riots, but unconfirmed reports in Bawku put the number at nine.
The REGSEC officials and the traditional leaders are also holding a meeting with the regional minister and the police and military commanders to restore peace and security in the towns.
Confirming the mayhem and anarchy that also led to the burning of houses, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Acheampong, said his men and some military men in the three northern regions had been working around the clock to bring the situation under control.
The IGP said reinforcement from the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions was also on the way to Bawku to beef up the security in the town and further stabilise the situation.
He said seven persons were on admission, while 11 had so far been arrested to assist the police in their investigations.
He explained that the incident began as an armed robbery attack perpetrated by two Fulanis wielding AK47 assault rifles.
Mr Acheampong said while the Samanpid Festival was being celebrated, the two robbers attacked inmates of two households at Yarmiriga, which is at the outskirts of Bawku.
He said the two robbers, who were believed to be domiciled nearby, shot and killed two innocent civilians who recognised them.
He said the incident was reported to the police, who rushed to the scene, but by then the two robbers had escaped on a motorbike, amidst the firing of guns.
The IGP said there was misinformation in town that an ethnic conflict had erupted between the Mamprusis and the Kusasis and that led to tension in the Bawku municipality and its environs.
He said a number of houses belonging to both groups had been burnt and there was mass violence, anarchy and indiscriminate firing in the town but the police and the military moved in quickly and had been working around the clock to bring the situation under control and return it to normalcy.
Mr Acheampong said the three Regional Police Commanders from the Upper West, Upper East and the Northern regions and their military counterparts met with the Bawku Naaba, Abugrago Asigiri Azoka II, his elders and opinion leaders at the Naaba’s palace and appealed to them to talk to their subjects to bring peace to Bawku.
He said while a police reinforcement was on its way to beef up security, it was attacked by some youth who had mounted illegal roadblocks on the way and smashed the windscreen of the Tata bus that was conveying the policemen.
Mr Acheampong said there had been indiscriminate shooting at Posum, Patalemi, Sabongeri and Zabzugu and appealed to those concerned to return all weapons in their possession to the police.
Three of the deaths occurred last Monday, while the rest occurred yesterday when the shooting intensified.
At the time of filing this report, there were heavy sounds of gunshots in Bawku, which had compelled the REGSEC to bring in reinforcement of 35 military men with the aid of a military helicopter.
The violence erupted when the Kusasis, the most dominant ethnic group in Bawku, had finished celebrating their Samanpid Festival, which the Mamprusis were believed to be against.
The Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP Ofosu Mensah Gyeabuor, had earlier confirmed to the Daily Graphic that 14 houses had been burnt, while a house and a corn mill were reported burnt at Garu in the Garu District.
He indicated that as the violence escalated, his office ensured that more security men, both military and the police, were brought in as reinforcement.
He appealed to politicians from both sides of the conflict to be mindful of their utterances because any unguarded utterances could be detrimental to the peace in the area.
Earlier, the Regional Minister, Mr Alhassan Samari, had led a team of military cum police officials to Bawku to assess the situation.
He was accompanied by the Northern Regional Police Commander, Mr Ephraim Brakatu, the Regional Security Co-ordinator, Mr Ahmed A. Mumuni, the Sub-Officer of the Northern Regional Command of the Ghana Air Force, Lt Coleman Arvine Aryeetey, among other officials.
Meanwhile, reports gathered by the Daily Graphic revealed that the death of the three people on Monday, as reported by the paper, was as a result of an armed robbery attack.
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