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The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has said that the political leanings of any of the commanding officers of the various security agencies, including the Police Service, are not his concern.

He, however, expects that the political affiliation of serving officers should only manifest themselves in the polling booth on Election Day, and not in their line of duty, describing that as the basis on which he had proceeded since assuming office.

“I do not know the political leanings of any of the commanding officers of the various security agencies, including the Police Service, nor have I sought to know, for that is not my concern. My concern is their ability to deliver, that is the best way we can build a credible security and police system,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

Buttressing his point, President Akufo-Addo noted that once the service personnel put on the uniform, the population expects them to carry out their duties impartially, without any political colouration.

President Akufo-Addo said these on Friday, September 13, 2019, when he addressed the graduation parade at the Police Academy, Police Depot, Tesano, of the 49th Cadet Officers Course of the Ghana Police Service, an event which coincided with the 60th Anniversary of the Academy.

Commenting on the recent killings of police officers and discipline in the service, President Akufo-Addo advised that personnel should not be seen as enemies, but rather partners in the fight against crime, and charged the service to ensure maximum discipline.

Touching on the missing Takoradi girls, the President said Ghanaians, especially the families of the three missing girls, are awaiting anxiously for news of their whereabouts from the Police Service, “and I fervently hope the Police Service will respond soon,” the President added.

The President remarked that the government, in recognition of the difficulties and dangers confronting police personnel in the discharge of their duties, was committed to resourcing the Police Service, in terms of provision of adequate personnel and logistics, to enable them deliver on their core mandate.

In that regard, “despite budgetary constraints, the Akufo-Addo government has, in two and half years in office, provided 568 vehicles, including 15 operational buses, to the service, a feat unprecedented in the history of the service,” the President stated, and further announced that more vehicles were expected to arrive in the country in the next few months.

Additionally, the President noted that 320 housing units were being constructed at the National Police Training School to reduce the accommodation deficit of the service.

“Modern communication equipment and 4,500 fragmentation jackets have been procured and delivered to the service to protect officers, and ensure effective policing,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo continued: “Government has also secured three helicopters for the service, with the construction of hangars at the National Police Training School almost nearing completion. I am happy to inform you that six officers are currently undergoing training in South Africa to become pilots for the helicopters, and serve as the air wing of the Police Service.”

In all, the 49th Cadet Officers graduation parade saw 142 cadet officers graduating.

For the first time, a female cadet officer, Theodora Ntiriwaa, graduated as the Overall Best Cadet Officer.