Arming Police officers a must; no turning back – Interior Minister

by;brightwebtv/nana asare barimah

The Interior Minister Hon. Ambrose Derry has emphasized that arming police officers on duty especially with Officers of the Motor Transport Traffic Department (MTTD) is a must and will surely happen in order to protect lives of Police Officers in the country.
According to the Minister, increase of attack and killing of Police Officers is becoming more often and therefore lives of these officers must be protected.
His comment comes after a section of Ghanaians and Civil Society Organizations had criticised decision of the government to arm all police officers on duty describing it as a remedy for crime rate increase.
Addressing a some senior staff police officers in the Ashanti region at the Ashanti regional Police Headquarters, Hon. Ambrose Derry questioned why the decision of arming police officers has become almost an enemy whiles it has no bad effect.
He wondered why some civilians have acquired arms both legal and illegal for protection but not the police.
The Minister made this statement during his 2 day working tour to all security Headquarters in the Ashanti region. He added that lives of police officers in the country is important and needed just like every other Ghanaian and therefore must be protected.
He however assured the police that the Nana Addo led NPP government is committed in protecting their lives and therefore no cause for alarm. He added that government has secured some new helicopters for the police service which Ashanti region will receive theirs to enhance their work and promised them more of equipments needed for their works.
The Minister from the Ashanti Regional Police Command visited the the Ashanti Regional Fire Service Command and the Kumasi Central Prisons to interact with the personnel and their Commanders.
The Interior Minister earlier met with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and leadership of the Ashanti Regional Peace Council at the Regional Coordinating council in a close door meeting to discuss security related issues.

source;brightwebtv/Evans Agyei Sikapa Nkabil