Accra, Nov 26, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Friday called on personnel of the Ghana Police service and other security agencies to step up their highway patrols in the major cities to combat criminal 'gangsterism'. He said although available statistics indicated that there was drastic reduction in crime, the intermittent highway robberies and criminal activities were gradually taking the centre stage in society and should therefore be nipped in the bud.

Vice President Mahama made the call when he presented 24 four-wheel vehicles made up of Nissan Patrols and Toyota Land-cruisers to the Ghana Police service in Accra.

"This is just the beginning of the NDC government's desire to bring down the crime rate to the very minimum level and as we move on, more logistics will be provided to facilitate your work."

He said government had drawn up a strategic plan to resource the Forensic laboratory centre to expedite investigations on suspected criminals, and called on the personnel to exhibit a high level of professionalism to achieve their target of eliminating crime in society. Mr Martin Amidu, Minister of Interior said the vehicles would augment their fleet to move further to areas they hitherto could not cover. "The Police I can assure you are poised to work hard and I know with the increment of their vehicles they will move a step higher to the challenges in society including crime and general policing." Mr. Paul Quaye, Inspector-General of Police said his outfit had mapped out strategies throughout the country and the vehicles would further boost their morale to work professionally. 26 Nov 10