Commanding Officer of Formed Police Unit (FPU) Chief Superintendent Hamza Yakubu has dismissed reports that the FPU trainees are being prepared to be deployed illegally during the 7 December election.

The FPU, a new unit in the police service, will be deployed to South Sudan on peacekeeping operations.

Speaking at the passing out ceremony of the unit in Accra on Wednesday 23 November, Mr Yakubu said: “Information that these trainees are being prepared to be deployed for illegal [activities during] elections or electoral functions is absolutely false. I wish to remind all those who have peddled this false rumour to ask God for forgiveness because we are going to serve God and our country. It is a fact that this training commenced with full media coverage and it’s ending in similar fashion. The purpose by now should be clearly and honestly defined in the service of humanity.”

He pleaded with the US Ambassador, who was present at the ceremony, to assist the police service to put up a simulation house “which is known as a shoot house, which would enhance our future trainees”.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) John Kudalor congratulated the new members of the contingent and also called on the US government to provide facilities for the performance of peacekeeping operations.

“I want to use this opportunity to solicit the indulgence of the US Embassy to revisit an agreement we started last year when I was director general of operations to assist us in our peacekeeping efforts by giving us some equipment and training,” he requested.

US Ambassador Robert Jackson commended Ghana on its commitment to peacekeeping.

“You face a particularly more challenging task in South Sudan, which has known more war than peace in four decades. The United States is encouraged by Ghana’s commitment to peacekeeping and its quick response in organising, training, and deploying this unit,” he said.