General News of Friday, 20 May 2005

Source: GNA

Interior Minister tours Bawku border towns

Bawku (U/E), May 20, GNA - Papa Owusu-Ankomah, the Minister of the Interior, has appealed to the security services at entry points to be vigilant and prevent misguided elements from destabilizing the nation. He told them to be loyal and to be dedicated in the discharge of their duties so as to safeguard the security of the nation.

Papa Ankomah said this when he paid a day's visit to three border posts in the Bawku Municipality of the Upper East Region on Thursday. The entry points he visited were Mognori, Kulungugu and Pulimakom.

The Minister also visited police stations, Bawku Prisons and paid a courtesy call on the Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka 11.

Papa Ankomah urged the personnel to collaborate with their colleagues in neighbouring countries in order to check cross-border crimes that had assumed ascendancy and also ensure free movement of people and goods.

He said the government would ensure that adequate logistics were put at their disposal for proper policing of the borders.

The Interior Minister said their postings to those areas should not be viewed as a punishment since the government was reviewing the posting and promotion conditions for a consistent one.

Most of the personnel complained about the mode of promotions and postings as well as logistics.

Naba Azoka appealed to the government to establish more police outposts to curb the frequent outbreaks of violence in the area. He also called for equipment for the police to fight highway robberies that have affected businesses in the area.