Opinions of Monday, 5 August 2024

Columnist: Braimah Abudu

My police headquarters facelift uplifts my spirit

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Returning to the Ghana Police Service headquarters last month for a visit after four years at my station in Bunkpurugu, I was startled by the facelift.

The aesthetic of the whole area mesmerized me. I couldn't help intoning that famous GH lingo, "What a wow?!"

Starting from the bus stops, which used to be in tatters, I can see that they are now well equipped. These bus stops are now safe since there is adequate lighting, shelter, seats, and clear signage to help reduce the risk of accidents and improve the safety of passengers.

The shelter and seating offer protection from rain, sun, and wind for both officers and the general public.

Aside from the bus stops, the whole headquarters now has a drastic facelift; from the entrance to the demarcations within the premises, the personnel have not been left out.

I now admire my comrades in uniform more. The uniformity of the attire is on point, unlike years back when each officer decided to wear any uniform of their choice each day. All the personnel now look more professional in their appearance, reflecting discipline and commitment to their respective roles. This appearance alone can also further enhance the morale of officers, their credibility, and command respect for police officers.

The architecture at the headquarters must be celebrated. I believe in the saying that “Good architecture can significantly boost employees' morale in the workplace.”

The headquarters can now boast of good quality facilities, reliable equipment, and modern technology, a well-enhanced work environment which enables personnel to perform their duties effectively and safely. The equipment, including motorbikes and vehicles at the headquarters for operations, is on point compared to those days when it was always hard for "operation" men to be transported to their stations.

When police officers have access to the resources they need, it can lead to increased job satisfaction, better performance, and a greater sense of pride and commitment to their work. Additionally, a well-supported officer is more likely to have higher morale, which can positively impact community relations and overall public safety.

This write-up is not to suggest there is perfection with the current administration; neither should anyone read partisan politics into it; the police is for all of us.

Since development is a continuous process, we need to give credit to whom credit is due while we continue to advocate for more developmental interventions and more officer-centered programs from the administration.