Residents of New-Ogbojo in the Grater Accra Region can now enjoy improved security services- following the inauguration of a newly built community Police station on Friday.

The GHC 50,000 ultra-modern police station comes with an officer in charge’s office, armoury, a Criminal Investigation Department Office, charge office with cell and water closet; water closet for staff, two computers, two television sets, two telephones, furniture and notice board among others.

The project, funded through communal contribution with support from the Adantan Municipal Assembly is to promote quality security services as well as help fight crime in the community.

Dr. Kwasi Bowi Darkwa, Chairman for the New-Ogbojo Residents’ Association (RA), speaking at the inaugural ceremony said the security of individuals, either at home or at the workplace was a vital ingredient for the smooth running of affairs of persons, hence the association’s effort in carrying out such an initiative.

He said recent crimes, including armed robbery of various form- in residential areas and on highways attested to the fact that anywhere people found themselves and whatever business they were engaged in, security ought to be accorded the topmost priority.

He recounted some armed robbery attacks in the resident area of New-Ogbojo. He commended the RA for the gesture which he said would save residents from their fears.

Dr. Darkwa noted that with the growth in population, upsurge in the rate of unemployment and above all lack of commensurate living conditions, it was estimated that crime rate was expected to go up every year with various forms of sophisticated methods being employed by criminals in the perpetration of such acts.

He however added that in order to ensure effective protection of lives and property by the police, facilities like police station, residential accommodation for policemen and other logistics needed to be provided by the government.

“However, considering the current economic situation, government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of providing police station in every corner of the country, hence our association’s efforts at establishing this post,” he said.

He commended the Madina Divisional Police Commander and his staff for their input in the execution of the project and appealed to government to assist the community with potable water as well as motorable roads.

Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, Accra Regional Police Commander, commended residents of New-Ogbojo for the positive steps towards the contribution of security in the area.

He said the provision of the police post was going to promote visibility patrols, community policing, intelligence-led patrols, foot, bicycle and motorbike patrols among others.

Mr. Yohuno stated that the provision of resources for improved security had not grown with the demands of the modern policing.

“Over the years, various interventions by government and the police administration seem not to have tackled the problem holistically.”

“In this view, the police is sometimes compelled to seek the support of corporate organizations, philanthropists, NGO’s and other civil society groups to join the fight against crime by committing a little of their resources towards sustainable and improved security,” he said.

He appealed to government to help with the provision of logistics and other concerns that would aid the provision of rapid response to emergency situations and also enhance police patrols within the communities.

Mr. Yohuno, challenged personnel who would be working at the New-Ogbojo Police station to re-dedicate themselves to the service of Ghana and seek the interest of the people and the community they would be serving.

He also urged the community to form neighbourhood watch committees to support the police by volunteering information to the police -since it had proven to be very effective in enhancing security.

Nii Joseph Torgbor Obodai II, Chief of Ogbojo expressed happiness about the project saying it had brought life and power to the community.

Mr. Bernard Sakyiama, Deputy Director, Adentan Municipal Assembly, called on all residents to live up to their responsibilities as modern policing was a shared responsibility, and pledged the assembly’s support towards the improvement and service delivery of the community.