Security services unveil measures for safe celebrations

Accra, March 1, GNA - A communication network that will enable
security services, intelligence agencies and the military to
communicate among themselves and act fast on issues during the
nation's 50th anniversary has been established.
Mr Patrick K. Acheampong, Inspector General of Police (IGP), said
on Thursday that under the new network provided by the National
Communication Authority, phone numbers would be given to the public to
call during emergency situations.
The IGP made this known at the joint press conference by the
country's security agencies on measures put in place for the
anniversary celebrations which on March 6.
In attendance were service commanders of the Ghana Police Service, Ghana
Immigration Service and Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS).
Mr Acheampong said there were reports that some people had
recruited ruffians from some parts of the Tudu, Ashaiman and
Agbogbloshie to jeer and hoot at people and prevent them from
attending state functions during the anniversary.
"We hope they will remain threats on the drawing board and no
attempt would be made to carry them through."He said security agencies
would also conduct a number of exercises in Accra and Kumasi as part
of their final preparation saying those exercises would cause some
disruption to traffic and appealed to the public to bear with them.
On presidential convoys, the IGP said each presidential convoy
would have a minimum of 10 vehicles and appealed to road users to be
careful.
"I appeal to all Ghanaians to conduct themselves peacefully and
lawfully in
accordance with the constitution and other laws of the country so that
we can all have a joyous celebration," he said.
Ms Elizabeth Agyei, Director of the Ghana Immigration Service,
said since February 26, the Service had put in place strategic
measures at the country's entry points to facilitate easy movement of
persons.Ms Agyei said the Service would also issue visas at the Kotoka
International Airport, saying that officers had permanently been put
at the VVIP Lounge.
Screening would be done in adherence to the Service's
regulations, she said,adding that 500 to 800 personnel had been put at
the country's borders and various entry points. "We are leaving no
stone unturned," she said.Ms Agyei called on the public to volunteer
information on suspicious characters saying such information would be
evaluated and action be taken.Ms Agyei stressed that the Service was
alert in respect to their responsibility and would foil attempts made
by unscrupulous characters.
Mr Emmanuel Nmoshie Doku, a Commissioner of CEPS, said his outfit
had also provided vehicles at various boarder points, including Aflao,
Elubo and the Takoradi ports to facilitate the work of personnel.
He said the Service would work throughout the celebrations.Police
Emergency numbers are 021-773695, 021-773906, Areeba 191, Kasapa 191,
Onetouch - 191 and 0277522288. CEPS telephone numbers are 666841-3
Extension 1095
GNA
1 March 07