The Regional Coordinator of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and a member of the Coalition of the Right to Information, Mina Mensah has hailed the police initiative to introduce massive crackdown on personnel, who flout the law in their line of duty.
Speaking to Joy News Tuesday, the human right activist noted that there had been a long struggle to get an independent complaint unit meant to receive complaints against the police personnel.
According to her, the coalition had for about nine years called for the institution of a unit that would enable the public lodge complaints against officials of the police, who commit infractions.
“If the police have now realized it, then it is welcomed”, Mina Mensah asserted, noting that the initiative would place Ghana Police service in line with internationally accepted practices.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Alhassan vowed to deal with police personnel, who go contrary to the law in their line of duty.
At a ceremony to announce plans to boost public confidence in the service, Mr. Alhassan hinted the institution of an Independent Complaints Commission.
The commission, when established, will give the public a chance to provide information about infractions on the part of the police.
The initiative comes amid mounting concerns about police abuse of power, including connivance with criminals and detention of suspects in cells beyond the legally mandated 48 hours under the law.
Mr. Alhassan says the independent complaint unit will strictly abide by the rules governing it to ensure the security of Ghanaians.
Joy News’ Fiifi Koomson reported that ushering in the new programme dubbed “The Re-affirmation of Public Confidence”, was an ambitious project by the police service to regain lost public confidence.
The police were confident for increasing their presence on the streets. Police Commissioner, Rose Bio Atinga says the latest plans of the service will yield great results.
Meanwhile, there has been mixed reactions from the public as to whether or not they would readily report crimes committed by the police.
While some greeted the new development with gladness and assured that they will abide by the rules, others rejected the initiative as they expressed mistrust in the police service. Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Ivy Benson/[email protected]
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