Accra, Oct. 14, GNA - The Deputy Minister of the Interior, Mr. Nkrabea Effah Dartey on Thursday outdoored a new police post at Oyibi with a call on the personnel to exhibit professionalism to win the full cooperation of the people.

He said the police needed the assistance of the people to provide information on suspicious characters.

"Professionalism attracts the respect of the people and result is their full cooperation at all times which eventually makes the work of the policeman less burdensome," he added. Mr Effah-Dartey observed that the establishment of the Police Post was timely, as it would help to deal with the new phenomenon of crime in the community.

"The criminals should be on the lookout because they would be dealt with ruthlessly".

He noted that government, recognizing the enormity of the work of the police had taken various measures to mitigate the pressure on them. So far the Police Service has benefited from 600 vehicles with an additional annual intake of 2,000 recruits.

The Deputy Minister urged the public to cooperate with the police and desist from undue interference as this hindered the delivery of justice.

"Under no circumstances must anyone vandalize a police station as the police are your friends and what is required is for you to obey law and you will live at peace," he added.

Mrs Elizabeth Mills Robertson, Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of Administration, commended the residents for taking the initiative to ensure the creation of the police station saying it was a sign of high communal spirit.

She said the service wished to bring its work to the doorsteps of the people but had been obstructed by inadequate logistics. "We're therefore ready to support any community that would take any initiative to enhance the police service."

Mr Joseph Nii Laryeh Afortey, MP for Kpong Akatamanso, said the police station would go a long way to enhance the socio-economic development of Oyibi.

He contributed 13.6 million towards the purchase of a vehicle for the patrol team.

He also gave out 15 million cedis as part of his share of the MP's Common Fund for the provision of street lights and pledged his full support in ensuring that the fast completion of a permanent police post that would serve the entire constituency.

The President of the Oyibi Residents Association, Mr Kwaku Kyere Biney said the creation of the police post was necessitated by the tireless invasion by armed robbers in recent times that led to the loss of property and personal belongings.

He expressed optimism that the permanent presence of the police would halt the activities of criminals and create a conducive environment for residents to go about their normal duties without fear. The police station, which is a temporary facility, cost 97 million cedis and a permanent site is under construction that is likely to be completed in two years.

Ayensu Real Estate Developers offered the site for the creation of the permanent Police Station and donated a vehicle to aid the personnel on their patrol.