Ghana is in the process of developing a comprehensive plan to address issues of cyber security; President Akufo Addo has said.
The move according to him, would be implemented in collaboration with personnel of the Ghana Police Service.
[contextly_sidebar id=”b5qNEzBRjRrpklWUpyDoX8qFX2rQxpXu”]Ghana is among other countries that are susceptible to digital attacks where both public and private organizations have their normal business processes interrupted by unknown attackers.
But speaking at the 48th national cadet officers graduation at the Police Training College in Accra, Nana Addo said the policy will also boost professionalism within the service.
“We are also developing a comprehensive policy to enhance the professional competence and capacity of the police to assist them with cyber crime and cyber security related issues.”
Addressing logistical challenges
President Akufo-Addo further mentioned that his administration is working to bridge the logistics gap of the Ghana Police Service to bring about the transformation it deserves.
“Government will continue to ensure that the police personnel are properly trained, properly equipped and provided with the incentives to enable them discharge professionally their duties and obligations without interference from any quarters.”
“Although there are some issues to be addressed, I want to assure you that other accommodation and equipment needs of the Ghana Police Service will be systematically resolved to enhance efficiency and morale”, he added.
Maritime Boundaries
Meanwhile, plans are also in place to protect the territorial integrity of the country through the revamping the marine unit of the police service.
“The Marine Unit will be resourced to work in tandem with the Ghana Navy to deal effectively with threats to our maritime boundaries and maritime resources.”
Nana Addo hands over 200 vehicles to Police Service
Last October, President Akufo-Addo presented some 200 vehicles to the Ghana Police Service.
The presentation forms part of government’s moves to equip security agencies with logistics the needed to effectively discharge their duties.
While presenting the vehicles, the President urged the Police Service to “pay particular attention to the proper maintenance of these vehicles and use them to serve and protect the Ghanaian people.”
The President also told the gathering that government had committed resources to procure kits, gears and quantities of other essential equipment, as well as more vehicles for the Police.
Ghc800m for police; helicopters, drones in the offing – Nana Addo
President Akufo-Addo in February 2018, indicated that, the government was allocating some GH¢ 800million to the Ghana Police Service to ensure improvement in its operations.
He said the amount will be used for the procurement of modern policing equipment and gadgets including helicopters and drones to enhance the capacity of the service in dealing with crime in the country.
In his 2018 State of the Nation Address, President Akufo-Addo said the government is committed to resourcing the police with the necessary equipment to ensure that it carries out its mandate of enforcing law and order in the country.
Amend the constitution to make us more independent – Police Service
The Ghana Police Service has expressed concerns about the composition of its Council.
According to the service, the representatives on the Council are mainly appointees of the President, a situation which cripples their independence and professionalism.
The Service said the situation is inhibiting its ability to clamp down on the activities of vigilante groups.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion by the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) on political vigilantism, the Director of Transformation Programmes Office of the Ghana Police Service, ACP Benjamin Agordzor called for the de-politicization of the Council to enable the Police Service to work objectively without interference.
While quoting the existing laws that govern the composition of the police council, he said, “the Inspector General of the Police shall be head of the Police Service but shall be subject to the provision of the article and to the control and direction of the Police Council. Who is in the Police Council? It’s headed by the Vice President, who is also a party member and a member of the government.”
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By: Nii Larte Lartey | citinewsroom.com | Ghana
