The Police Administration has promoted posthumously Sergeant Emmanuel Kwabena Owusu, the Presidential Dispatch Rider who was killed in an accident last August, to the rank of Inspector.

The promotion, which took effect from September 1, this year, was in recognition of his dedicated service to the nation and the Ghana Police Service.

This was announced by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mr George Asiamah, who is also the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, at the burial service for Inspector Owusu, one of the oldest and most experienced Dispatch Riders at his hometown Pekyerekye in the Ashanti Akim North District, on Saturday.

Among the dignitaries who paid their last respect to Inspector Owusu, popularly called "Burger" were President John Agyekum Kufuor, Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, Defence Minister and MP for Manhyia, Mr Felix Owusu Agyepong, Minister for Communications and Technology.

The rest were, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister and MP for Subin, Mr Edward Osei Kwaku, MP for Asokwa West and Minister designate for Youth and Sports, General Joshua Hamidu (Rtd) National Security Adviser, Mr Ernest Owusu Poku, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Mr Kwabena Agyepong, Deputy Government Spokesman.

They filed past the body dressed in police uniform and bedecked with wreaths and flowers. A police motorbike, helmet and police cap was placed beside the body, which was later buried with full police honours.

In a sermon, The Very Reverend Superintendent Bosomtwe Ayensu, Ashanti Regional Police Chaplain asked Ghanaians to use their God-given talents and skills to advance the socio-economic development of the country.

He said most people have become economic liabilities in society because of their poor attitude and unfaithfulness to work. "Everyone has a mission on earth and when pursued positively could lead to prosperity for the communities, society and the nation." He added.

Rev Ayensu said the deceased contributed tremendously to his profession as a Presidential Despatch Rider whose main duties were to escort and pilot Presidents of Ghana and very important dignitaries, a duty, which he performed conscientiously for the past 30 years without blemish and therefore deserved to be honoured by the nation.

President Kufuor on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana donated six million cedis and drinks to the bereaved family.

The late Inspector Owusu, 52, was leading a Presidential convoy to Burma Camp for the inauguration of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Council on August 31, when his motorbike and a Mazda pickup collided near the El Wak Stadium. He died

on the spot.

Inspector Owusu was enlisted into the Ghana Police Service as a recruit on June 1, 1973. He rose through the ranks and was last promoted to Sergeant on July 1, 1991 until his death. He left behind a widow and six children.