Takoradi, Jan 09, GNA - The Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service realised a total of 119.1 million cedis through court fines for the government last year. Deputy commissioner of Police Kofi Duku Arthur, the Western Regional Commander of the service, said this at the 2005 WASSA of the Police Service at Takoradi at the weekend. He said through the efforts of the MTTU and the Regional Road Safety Commission, there was a drastic reduction in road accidents in the region.

Mr Arthur said 748 accidents were recorded in 2004 while 581 was reported in 2005, a reduction of 28 percent. He said a Drug and Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) within the service had been established at the Takoradi District of the service to check and flush out drug peddlers in the region. A similar one would be established at the Tarkwa Division. "Fifty-seven drug related cases was recorded in 2003, 50 in 2004 and 47 last year," he added. Mr Arthur said the Command had established a Regional Police Band to take care of the recreational activities for the Police and the public. "It is hoped that the band would forge a cordial relationship between the Police and the public.''

Mr Arthur said the Police Headquarters was considering establishing a Regional Police Training School in the Shama Ahanta East Metropolis of the Western Region, for the training of recruits. Mr David Yaro, the Regional Coordinating Director, said without peace the country's development agenda would be greatly affected. He appealed to officers and men of the Ghana Police Service not to allow politicians to use them to derail the democratic process of the country.