The Inspector General of Police David Asante-Apeatu on Friday April 26, 2019 ,joined the Church of Pentecost to cut sod for the Construction of an ultra modern District Police Headquarters for the Akropong Police Command in the Eastern Region.
The Project is the first of three(3) others to be constructed for the Ghana Police Service by the Church under its Security-Based development project dubbed “Police Station & Post Project (PSPP) as part of its Vision 2023 Policy Document .
Both the District and Divisional Police Commands in Akropong have been operating in a Makeshift structures since 1975.
Currently the District Police station operates in a rented house while the District Commander operates from rented accommodation for personnel.
The Landlord is reportedly ejecting the Police officers from the house being used as Police station.
A Police station project started in the 1970’s have been left at foundation stage while Police personnel crave for conducive office accomodation.
Speaking at the Sod-cutting Ceremony, the Inspector General of Police David Asante Apeatu said it was his long time dream to have a new Police station for Akropong District therefore elated that through the Church of Pentecost which he described as “strategic partner” to the Ghana Police Service, it has come to pass.
He said Akropong “is gradually gaining ground as a tourist’s destination due to its high altitude and good weather all year” therefore needs improved security to combat accompanied crimes.
The IGP urged for strong collaboration between the Public and Police however cautioned that attack on Police installations will not be countenance.
“over the years the Police Administration has witnessed reckless attacks on some Police Stations as I recall the Eastern Region example at Somanya some months back.Sometimes we cannot understand the motivation behind such unruly behaviour. The Property of the Police is for the state who all of us contribute in diverse ways to strengthen .Attacking Police is synonymous to inflicting pain on oneself .i want to believe that as much as i will entreat officers to be professional,the source of funding for this project will prevent possible attacks on yhe facility when completed “.
The IGP appealed to other corporate bodies and organizations to support the Police to realize its capital intensive transformational agenda.
Pentecost Chairman
The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost ,Apostle Eric Nyamekye ,in a speech read on his behalf by the General Secretary ,Apostle Nana Yaw Kumi Larbi Jnr. said “originally the project was designed for Police station but considering the special appeal by the IGP coupled with the envisaged jurisdiction the facility will serve the Church agreed to upgraded into a District Headquarters”
Apostle Eric Nyamekye stated that the Church is committed to supplementing government’s effort to enhance security situation in the country hence the
Police Station & Post Project (PSPP) initiative .
According to him, in May last year, the Church constructed and handed over to the Police administration a Police station and accommodation facilities to the Millennium City District Police Command and later donated to them ,a double cabin pick-Up Vehicle to enhance patrol .He added that ,an audio-video editing equipment was also presented to the Public Affairs Department all geared towards supporting the Ghana Police Service.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
