The government yesterday presented 42 vehicles to the Ghana Police Service to assist it to fight crime in the country. The presentation of the vehicles, including 15 nine-seater Peugeot Expert vans and 27 Peugeot 307 salon cars forms part of a consignment of 263 vehicles imported from France at the cost of $4 million.

Presenting the vehicles to the Inspector -General of Police, Mr Ernest Owusu Poku, the acting Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor announced that the government will soon take delivery of 100 Land Rovers and spare parts for the repair of 100 broken down vehicles for the police service.

At a meeting with a delegation of chiefs from the Central Region on Wednesday, the President Mr J. A. Kufuor announced that 600 vehicles imported for the police service will arrive in the country by next month.

He said the move is part of the efforts of his administration to fight high level crime such as armed robbery, lawlessness and general indiscipline in the country to enable law abiding citizens to go about their duties in an atmosphere of peace.

Dr Addo-Kufuor noted that government is very much concerned about the increasing incident of indiscipline on the roads which has resulted in loss of lives and property and urged the police to use the vehicles to check this in order to reduce the carnage.

In an apparent reference to highway robberies in recent times, he said, the government will ensure that market women and other road users are safe to go about their duties.

Dr Addo-Kufuor who is also the Minister of Defence, had earlier on behalf of the government taken delivery of the vehicles from Prestige Motor Company Limited, dealers in Peugeot cars.

The minister expressed the hope that the vehicles will go a long way in helping the police to fight crimes including armed robbery and other social vices in the country.

Mr Owusu- Poku, on receiving the vehicles, expressed the service’s appreciation to the government for the support and gave the assurance that the police will provide quality and efficient services to all Ghanaians.

According to the Managing Director of Prestige Company, Mr Nich Adi-Dako the rest of the vehicles will be delivered by the end of September.

He said the vehicles which are fitted with communication gadgets were imported with spare parts while selected Total Fina Elf service stations around the country will provide maintenance on the vehicles.