Regional Minister, has commended personnel of the security services in
the region for their professionalism in the performance of their
duties that has sustained the peace in the region.
The minister, who was speaking on Wednesday during the
inauguration of a 20-member Northern Regional Police Committee, said:
"The security services in the region have exhibited a high sense of
patriotism and commitment in carrying out their duties".
"The chiefs and people of the region have not failed to
appreciate these efforts because these have saved us from worse
scenarios."
"The situation would have been difficult without the presence and
help of the security. All the people in the region owe them a debt of
gratitude," he said.Alhaji Idris said though the personnel worked
under harsh conditions they persevered and ensured that there was
peace in Dagbon.
He gave the assurance that the Northern Regional Coordinating
Council would give them the necessary assistance to operate more
efficiently.
He said the inauguration of the Committee was an added advantage
to the security agencies to spur them on to offer better services to
the people to win their confidence.Mr. Justice Sam Baddoo, Chairman of
the Police Council who inaugurated the committee, said measures were
being taken to ensure that the police in the Northern Region were
adequately rewarded for their resilience and commitment to work.
He noted with regret the low salaries of the police, especially,
police constables, whom he said were receiving salaries below nine
million cedis a year and called for improved service conditions to
enhance their standard of living.
Mr. Baddoo mentioned the provision of residential and office
accommodation, transportation and the building of the capacity of the
police as some of the measures to ensure a vibrant and effective
police service.
Mr. Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, Inspector General of Police
(IGP), said the Northern Region was leading in the provision of new
police stations in the country.
He appealed to the other Regional Coordinating Councils and
District Assemblies to make good use of land given to the service by
traditional councils to build infrastructure for the police.
He mentioned the Aboabo Police Station in the Tamale Metropolis,
Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo and Tolon/Kumbungu as districts
where the Assemblies had helped to build police stations.
Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Minister of the Interior, in a speech
read on his behalf, said the committee had an onerous task but added
that with commitment and determination the members could work
collectively to win public confidence.
29 March 07
