C/R police worried about allege release of criminals

Cape Coast, Feb. 28, GNA - The Central Region Police Command, has expressed worry over what it termed “institutional frustration” of alleged "freeing of criminals" by the court after they have been prosecuted.

It also lamented that the media, especially some radio stations that misinform the public though phone calls programs.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Stephen Andoh Kwofie, Central Regional Police Commander, expressed these sentiments at a meeting of the Heads of departments in Cape Coast on Monday.

He also mentioned the refusal of hospital authorities to keep dead bodies (in morgues) brought to the hospitals by the police, and the long periods the regional house of chiefs take in addressing chieftaincy disputes.

The meeting instituted by the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), is held annually to enable regional heads of departments to share ideas on how to move the development of the region forward.

Eight regional stakeholders including the police, National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), health services, and the Ghana Education Service were present.

Also included was the Electricity Company of Ghana, Statistical Service, National Commission for Civic Education, and the Electoral Commission.

The meeting gives head of departments opportunities to report on issues relating to their various sectors.

DCOP Kwofie said mounting surveillance, guarding vital installations, controlling fire arms, patrolling, amongst others were done during the year by the police in its efforts to combat crime.

In their pursuit of maintaining law and order, the police held a meeting with all political heads, to educate them on section 298 and 20 of the criminal offences Act, to ensure peace in the upcoming elections.

DCOP Kwofie also noted that though Kasoa, a suburb of the region, had become “the head quarters of armed robbery,” the region is deemed the most peaceful due to measures being put in place by the police.

The Regional Director of the NRSC, Mr Stephen Anokye, said measures were being put in place to reduce road accidents.

The Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Samuel Kwashie, said 800 health workers, including 29 doctors, and six medical assistants with 298 enrolled nurses were posted to the region.

The Deputy Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Mr Seribour Quarcoe, said the Commission had acquired kits to be used in the event of power outage, for the biometric voters' registration.

GNA