117 police recruit pass out

Accra, Nov. 12, GNA - Mr Joseph Boakye-Appiah, Commissioner of Police In- Charge of Welfare, on Friday cautioned the police against the unlawful use of firearms, saying their weapons were meant to equip them to maintain law and order and not to intimidate people.

"The firearms issued to you in the performance of your duty are not to be used to terrorise innocent citizens, but rather to facilitate the performance of your official duties," he said.

Mr Boakye-Appiah said this at the passing out parade of the fifth batch of 117 police recruits, 33 of them being women. The recruits were taken through a six-month of intensive training in courses including effective policing, foot and riffle drill, criminal code and procedure, law of evidence and HIV/AIDS education. He said some police officers flagrantly and nakedly abused the powers given them under the law because of their narrow selfish interests.

He said the police administration would not tolerate any form of indiscipline with the rank and file of the service.

Mr. Boakye-Appiah cautioned the recruits to desist from excessive drinking, adding that the rate at which young policemen were being discharged or retired from the Service for chronic alcoholism was assuming an alarming proportion.

"You are therefore, advised to stay away from drinks and drugs and lead lives that will bring honour not only to yourselves but also to the Police Service.

Mr Boakye-Appiah gave the assurance that the Police Administration had made adequate preparation and instituted special operational strategies to ensure violence-free elections. "The contribution of all police personnel on the election day would therefore ensure the realization of the objective," he added. Awards were given to the best in physical training, marksmanship, academics, drill and the overall best, which went to General Recruit Thomas A. Ayichim.