Takoradi, June 4, GNA - Personnel of the Ghana Police Service have been advised to uphold the rule of law, and avoid the use of powers vested in them to intimidate, dehumanise and brutalise the citizenry. Mr. George Asiamah, Western Regional Police Commander gave the advise at the 2004 annual WASSA of the service at Takoradi.

WASSA is a social event for Police personnel to interact, share experiences, ideas and make new acquaintances.

"We are not above the law and we must enforce the law judiciously to attain the ends of justice and not injustice", he stressed. The Regional Commander cautioned that if the police engaged in any negative acts, the confidence that the citizenry had in them would wane.

Mr. Asiamah also urged personnel of the service to be courteous, tactful and assist anyone who came to them for help. "Let us make the Police Stations a welcome home and a safe haven for justice and not a place where people fear to go for assistance" the Police Commander stressed.

He said the Police administration was ready to train and share experiences in the formation of community watch committees to minimise crime in the country and called on all communities without such committees to form one.

Mr Asiamah hinted that the Western Regional Women and Juvenile Unit (WAJU) of the Service would soon open offices at Tarkwa and Sefwi Wiawso, to minimise domestic violence and sexual offences. The Regional Police Commander commended the Judiciary for the speedy trial of armed robbery and other criminal cases in the region. He expressed the readiness of the Regional Police Command to deal ruthlessly with "Nation wreckers and other criminals."

Mr. Asiamah expressed regret that while the Police were busy fighting crime and other related cases; the multiplicity of chieftaincy disputes was having negative effects on the operations of the Police Service. He said the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Military assisted the Police in the fight against galamsey, illegal logging and drug peddling.

The Regional Police Commander commended the media for the role they were playing in the development of the region and urged them to be circumspect in their reportage, and avoid writing stories that could fuel tribalism.

Madam Sophia Horner-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister urged the Police to distinguish between maintaining law and order and upholding the rights of individuals.

"Indeed the line would be thin and you must be abreast with new trends in policing to enable you perform creditably," she said. Madam Horner-Sam said much was expected of the police to ensure peace and harmony especially during the upcoming general elections.