Accra, May 11, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday advocated the strengthening of all African security forces to form closer partnership with civil society to prevent the recurrence of wars and conflicts and their negative effects on the socio-economic development of the continent.

He said already, preparations were underway for Police joint operations in one of the ECOWAS countries as well as support for activities that would enhance sub-regional integration.

President Kufuor was speaking at the graduation of Police Cadet Officers Course 40 and to commission them into the senior officer corps of the Ghana Police Service at the Police College in Accra.

President Kufuor reviewed the graduation parade mounted by 102 officers which included three cadet officers from the Republic of Liberia under the command of Superintendent Osman Abdul Razak. The cadets, who were beautifully dressed in their anniversary attire, made up of new blue-black uniform with a stripe of the national colours at the seams entertained the gathering with their smart turn-out and attractive drills.

President Kufuor also announced that the Police Council was considering a Five-Year Strategic Document, which would provide for far-reaching reforms, including the new Disciplinary Code, the Police Service Administration Regulation and Conditions of Service, which should brighten the career prospects of the entire staff of the service.

President Kufuor said even though admitting that globalization was inevitable, stressed the need for the country to prepare her citizens appropriately, not only to cope with it but to harness it for national development.

He called on the Police Service to come out with new strategies to confront the increasing trans-national crime which is posing a menace to the country.

The President urged the new cadets to conduct themselves in a manner that is conforming to internationally acceptable operational standards to win the confidence of the public. "As graduating cadet officers, you are aware that security challenges facing the world today are enormous such that the co-operation of society is needed. Indeed, the general security of our nation is the collective responsibility of all us," he added. President Kufuor further reiterated government's commitment to increase the strength of the Police Service by pursuing measures started five years ago to enhance Police presence in communities all over the country. He cited the steady improvement in infrastructure and logistics support for the service as well as the additional procurement of new vehicles, equipment and operational uniforms for the service. He said government was engaged in negotiations with both local and foreign companies to provide massive residential and office accommodation for the service. 11 May 07