By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Dec 05, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has in fulfilment of the Government’s commitment to retool the Ghana Police Service, handed over 40 advanced armoured vehicles to Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
They comprised 15 armoured pickups, five Cobra-Four and 20 Cobra-Three special armoured vehicles.
President Mahama in his address noted that the presentation of the first batch of 40 advanced armoured vehicles formed part of the Government’s effort to retool the security services and enhance their ability to support the Government’s 24-hour economy.
He said two tow trucks would be added this month to augment Police operations, stating that the Police would also receive 10 covert operational vehicles and that the Government would give every police district a normal pickup for patrol duties.
He reiterated that the Police needed to be equipped to be able to carry out their duties.
The President said the Ghana Police Service stood at the frontline of the collective safety of Ghanaians.
“They are the first responders to emergencies. They are the guardians of our community, and they are the shield that stands between law-abiding citizens and those who seek to disrupt our peace,” he said.
“But we cannot ask the police to fulfill this sacred obligation without the essential tools and equipment to do so.
“Too often we have lost men in the line of duty because we send them on missions and assignments without providing them with the appropriate equipment to ensure their safety,” he stated, adding that that was why from the start of his administration, he committed to retooling and modernizing all state security agencies.
“Today’s handing over is a significant fulfillment of that commitment I made. Our security policy is anchored on a simple truth. Peace is not accidental. Peace is built and established through investment, institutional strengthening, professionalism, and vigilance,” the President said.
“As we advance the 24-hour economy, as we expand trade and investment, and as we pursue innovation, we recognize that without strong security, developments cannot thrive and societies cannot progress.”
He noted that the vehicles had been procured as operational tools, not as symbols; designed to strengthen police response in high-risk environments, to enhance officer protection during dangerous operations and to reinforce patrols in rugged terrain and high crime zones.
“They improve convoy, crowd control, and rapid response capabilities. And they give officers the operational advantage that you deserve when confronting violent criminals,” the President said.
He stated that the country would not surrender a single street, a community, or any public space to criminals today, tomorrow, or forever.
“To those who insist on disturbing the peace of our nation, whether through armed robbery, organized crime, illegal arms trafficking, or gang activity, our message is simple. The Ghanaian state is ready. The Ghana Police Service is ready,” he added.
The President said the laws of the nation would deal decisively with anyone who endangers the safety of the people.
He reiterated that security was not only the absence of crime, it was also the presence of justice, accountability, and professionalism.
He said as the State expand the operational strength of the police service, it was simultaneously deepening reforms that ensure transparency, discipline, and respect for human rights.
President Mahama appealed to drivers of the vehicles to take good care of them.
“These equipment are expensive and hard to procure, and so you must use them judiciously and according to the rules.”
Mr Yohuno, in his response to the gesture, expressed the Police’s joy in receiving the 40 advanced armoured vehicles.
“Over the years the Police Service has seen a steady raise in the levels of risk our officers are confronted with daily in the course of performing their duties, this calls for critical logistics that will enable us to rise above these threats and take on criminal elements head-on, while ensuring the safety of our officers,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah