Media and Community - Necessary ingredients for development - Dr. Mustapha

THE MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for East Ayawaso, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed, has laid emphasis on the Police, the community and the media as necessary ingredients for creating an environment conducive for development.

He therefore stressed the need for all to play "our parts responsibly" in order to have a congenial atmosphere for the needed development to take place, especially in the East Ayawaso community rather than leaving everything in the bosom of the Police force.

He was speaking at an interactive ceremony with the Nima Muslim Community (NMC) organized by the Ghana Police Service last Tuesday in Accra.

In continuation, he noted that what they ought to do as a community was get the confidence and assurance from the Police Service that when "we relay necessary information leading to the arrest of criminals, it could be kept in a manner that the informant's life would not be jeopardized", stating that when this was done, "our brave and courageous youth are prepared to sacrifice their time, energy and efforts in ensuring that this community continues to produce personalities like Maj. Gen. Abdulai who was raised here in Nima and many others".

He also advised that more people should be buoyant to bring forth information about what needs to be done to have a peaceful co-existence in our various societies.

Dr. Ahmed however cautioned that under no circumstances should the bad nuts overshadow the few good people among the youth.

He further hinted that if the MP's common fund was made ready, a makeshift Police post (container) would be established behind the Accra Girls' Secondary School near the Kaokudi traffic light as part of plans suggested by the chairman of the Ayawaso Muslim Chiefs Council, adding that it would hopefully be commissioned by the IGP before the end of the year.

He therefore encouraged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to do more in maintaining a Police-civilian rapport so as to enjoy working with them.

He advocated that suspicions that prevent "us from relaying needed information to the police that would in the end benefit our own selves" should be removed.

When speaking to The Chronicle, he stated that the IGP's visit to the Nima Muslim's Community would give impetus to efforts being made by the elders and opinion leaders to encourage the on-going watchdog committee in order to complement the activities of the Police in combating crimes.

The Inspector General of Police, Mr.Kwarteng Acheampong, on his part commended the chiefs of the area, saying, "Without their support, the police would not have achieved half of what we have been able to do", and adding that they should not lose hope even if they encountered problems with some of the youth.

He therefore urged the leaders to continue advising the youth and promote healthy relationships amongst them.

"Even though incidents such as lynching of criminals and instant justice meted out to them (criminals) have not been recorded in Nima, we appeal to all Ghanaians that such treatments should not be afflicted on criminals.

"The delay in criminal justices in the law courts pertains in every part of the world; so we should be exercise restraint."

He used the occasion to call on radio and TV stations and producers of programmes that attract mass audiences as well as anybody who contributes to making democracy work in this country to be cautious of their choice of words during discussions.

He also called on all Assembly members who have not yet set up the watchdog committees in their various areas to contact the local police officers to assist them launch such services.

Speaking to The Chronicle, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Police Service, DSP. Kwesi Ofori, said what necessitated this visit by the Police was part of the Police Administration's outreach programmes to draw members of the public closer to them in maintaining sanity in the various neighbourhoods.

He as well noted that it was to explain programme policies of the police administration and to listen to views from the general public so as to build a nation free from violence.

"As we proceed towards the end of the year, we want members of the public to support us in combating crimes and ensuring that they lived in peace and safety," he stated.