The Inspector General of Police, David Asante Apeatu, says onshore and offshore security is at the core of the Ghana Police's duty in enhancing its operational capabilities. This according to him, is because about ninety percent of trade between countries is done across the sea.
The IGP was speaking at a function at Tema when the Marine Police took delivery of two speed boats . The boats known as Alligators, were donated by the Japanese government to Ghana at a cost of $53,000.
Expressing appreciation to the Japanese government for the gesture, Mr. Apeatu implored individuals, organisations and agencies to consider little spaces in their budgets to assist the Ghana Police Service to enhance its operations since security is a shared responsibility.
The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Tsutomu Himeno, on his part, said maritime security is indispensable not only for the security of the people, but also, for an enhanced trade and investment relation between Ghana and other countries.
Mr. Himeno noted that Ghana is strategically positioned due to its advantageous location to the land locked countries, hence the need for a stepped up maritime security for the overall benefit of the entire sub-region.
Mr. Himeno continued that it is only through security consciousness, particularly in the marine sector that Ghana can enhance its socio-economic potentials.
The Director of Marine Police, ACP Seidu Idi, said the boats come as a great relief since they will be easily deployable and mobile on water bodies and particularly attend to the perennial flooding situations in the country, especially in the major cities of the country.
ACP Seidu observed that the Marine police are poised to help their land forces of various basics and command to fight marijuana menace on the country's water bodies.
He, therefore, charged his fellow mariners to avail themselves readily for short notice deployment when the need arises.
Ghana | atinkaonline.com | Edward Sebbie
