The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr John Kudalor says Ghana Police Service would work hard to deliver its mandate of ensuring that local businesses operate within a conducive environment of peace and personal safety.

Mr Kudalor called for a productive partnership between the Service and the business community based on mutual cooperation, respect and understanding of the strategic roles in promoting the overall national agenda.

The acting IGP was speaking to journalists after he received a delegation from West Hills Mall led by Mr Kofi Sekyere, Board Chairman, following the presentation of 150 bags of cement to the Formed Police Unit (FPU) at the Unit’s headquarters in Tesano, Accra.

The delegation also presented 150 bags of cement to the New Weija District Police Command in support of the construction of an office complex, while the consignment donated to the FPU is to help the unit complete a permanent shelter for its personnel.

The IGP told Mr Sekyere that the donation of cement to the FPU is most timely as a decent and permanent accommodation has become critical for raising the morale of the men and women of the unit so they could serve with dedication and pride.

“I am elated by your initiative because the operational unit is very dear to my heart. Unfortunately our unit has been housed in tents, which had to be changed every year. West Hills Mall’s donation will help give the personnel decent accommodation and boost their morale,” the IGP said.

He expressed the gratitude of the Police Service to West Hills Mall and expressed the hope that the Board and Management of the Mall would continue to support the Service to give off its best.

“We are very grateful for your gesture and pledge to deliver our mandate of maintaining public peace and safety to ensure that your patrons and customers use your facilities in a safe, secured and comfortable atmosphere,” he said.

Mr. Sekyere told the IGP that the Board and Management of West Hills Mall place a high premium on the partnership with the Police Service because security and personal safety are vital ingredients for any successful retail enterprise.

“We very much appreciate the partnership with the Police Service and would take steps to build a functional and mutually progressive working relationship with the Police at all times,” said Mr Sekyere.

The Commander of the Formed Police Unit, Chief Superintendent Naa Yakubu and Mr Sekyere discussed modalities for enhancing security and personal safety at the capital’s major shopping centres, namely the West Hills Mall, Accra Mall and the newly opened Achimota Retail Centre.

The two concurred on the need for the establishment of some level of permanent Police presence in all the big retail facilities.

The New Weija District Police Commander, Superintendent Osei Shaibu, after receiving a consignment of the bags, conveyed the gratitude of the personnel of the unit to the shopping Mall and assured Mr Sekyere that the District Command would continue to work with the Management of West Hills to safeguard the safety and comfort of customers and visitors who use the mall.