Parties At IEA Presidential Debate Unanimous On Need To Equip Security Services To Fight All Forms Of Crime

The second and final IEA debate for Presidential candidates with representation in Parliament took place in Accra last night. The flagbearers of the NDC, NPP, CPP and PNC took turns to outline their policies on various issues of national development. On crime and national security, President John Mahama of the NDC said his government will continue to improve on the good works they have started over the four year period in power. He said they have well resourced the security agencies with equipment which has led to significant drops in criminal cases. He also said the Police will be formally trained in how to handle white colour crime, especially cyber fraud. For his part, Dr Abu Sakara of the CPP said his party will strengthen security forces under cover for effective execution of their work. He said information and suggestion centres will be established in every district to tackle crime at the community level. Under the CPP, crime in offices and high places will be tackled by training and retool the Economic Crimes Unit to be up to the task. The PNC promises to re-introduce the border guard�s concept to tighten security at the country's borders. The party's flagbearer, Hassan Ayariga further noted that fighting crime calls for the concerted effort of all. His government will therefore put up free telephone lines for the public to use to help the security forces by reporting crime cases. Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP indicated that contrary to President John Mahama's assertion that crime rate has decreased, armed robbery cases are rather on the ascendency. He stressed the need to increase the number of police personnel and the strengthening of the judicial system to enhance crime fighting. He also said the economy needs to be developed to discourage crime.