General News of Tuesday, 27 August 2002

Source: Chronicle

New IGP Spells Out Plan for Police Service

The new Inspector General of Police (IGP), Nana Owusu Nsiah, has disclosed that government will by the middle of next year solve the problem of communication in policing within the country.

He said that with the help of the press and the public, he can meet all the challenges facing him and discharge his duties effectively.

Nana Nsiah, who doubles as the Mawerehene of Berekum traditional area, in the Brong Ahafo Region, added that even though his office faces many challenges, his administration is ready to give of their best and boost the morale of the police.

He made these comments when this reporter talked to him about his new appointment and the challenges of the Police Service.

On how he would help overcome the rise in armed robbery, Nana Nsiah said the acquisition of vehicles by the police will make them mobile, and thereby help them chase and arrest fleeing robbers, most of whom engage in their nefarious activities using cars.

Nana Nsiah, who joined the Police Service in 1976, was after sometime made the Director of Immigration, until his recent appointment as Inspector General of Police.

Before then he had been the financial controller of the service for almost 13 years under four Inspectors-General of Police.

He called on the general public to be very alert and give correct information about robberies to the police to enable them to quickly take action.

Nana Nsiah, who has been in office for just about a month, said he has come at a time when the image of the service is being redeemed and as such, he is ready to help build the service and make it the best place for all to be.

On the spate of indiscipline in the country, he said he would work hand in hand with the Vice President on his move to combat indiscipline, adding that drivers who do not abide by the laws would be brought to book.

"Unnecessary horning, jumping traffic lights and overspeedings are some of the cautions set for drivers to follow," he explained.

He called on the public to have a cordial relationship with the police so as to help the police to help them.

On whether he would retire soon, he answered in the negative, explaining that he has not attained that age yet, emphasizing that the government would otherwise not have given him that position.

The IGP, who said he is 45 years old, has reading and teaching as his hobbies.

He is an administrator, accountant, lecturer at the law school and a chief.