Plans to complete police projects

Provision has been made in the 2003 budget for funds to complete a number of development projects of the Ghana Police Service that were suspended in 2000 including the Bunkpurugu Police barracks in the East Mamprusi District of the Northern Region.

In the interim, the Ministry of the Interior is embarking on a programme to rehabilitate Police stations and barracks throughout the country and in the spirit of decentralisation and self-help, District Assemblies are requested to assist the Ghana Police Service with accommodation and offices.

Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Acting Minister of the Interior said this when answering a number of questions by members of Parliament on Thursday. Namburr Berrik, NDC- Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo asked the Minister why the Bunkpurugu Police Barracks has not been completed, the reason for the continued presence of police in Bimbagu and Nakpanduri and what are plans to solve the problem that led to the police deployment to the area.

Dr Addo- Kufuor said the police personnel have been withdrawn from Bimbagu since August this year and the permanent police station at Nakpanduri would continue to provide security in the area including Bimbagu.

He said the problem between the Tamung and Puli clans has been outstanding and the latest clash was over a piece of land that led to deployment of the police to the area to maintain and order.

The Minister said a Peace and Reconciliation Committee was formed and they smoked the peace pipe by exchanging kola and some tokens and the security agencies are keeping an eye on the situation to ensure that the peace was achieved and maintained.

Poku Adu-Gyamfi, NPP-Bosomtwi in a related development asked the Minister what plans the Ministry has to provide accommodation for Police personnel at Kuntanasi and Jachie Police Stations.

Dr Addo-Kufuor said it was the desire of the Ministry of Interior to provide decent living and office accommodation for the use of the Police Service but the difficult financial situation of the country constitutes a major constraint.

He said the Police stations at Kuntanasi and Jachie would be considered alongside the programme of rehabilitation of Police station and barracks throughout the country.

The Minister said in the long term, the provision of new accommodation for the Police Service would be considered when the country's financial position improves, while the possibility of donor or private funding and support would also be considered.