Security forces in the Volta Region on Wednesday launched “Operation Father Christmas” as part of efforts to ensure security and public safety before, during and after the yuletide.

Mr. Edward Oduro-Kwateng, Volta Regional Police Commander, said it was a constitutional mandate of security forces to maintain law and order and protect life and property, so the exercise was to ensure that the citizenry celebrated Christmas without any interference.

He said the operation was built on the knowledge on criminal activities and attacks on the people in the region and beyond

Mr. Oduro-Kwateng entreated the security forces to be up to their tasks of vigilance and attentiveness at duty points and be friendly to enable the citizenry call for their assistance.

He said though security would be provided at churches, parties and all gatherings including; market places, the citizenry should take note of simple basic precautions.

Mr. Oduro-Kwateng also encouraged the citizenry not to panic when they see security personnel in the community especially on regular snap checks on the roads, saying, “our presence and visibility would be felt”.

He called on travellers and drivers to be vigilant when travelling and be guided by road safety principles to avoid vehicular crashes.

The forces participated in a route march through some principal streets of Ho assuring of their preparedness to protect the people throughout the Christmas festivities.