MTN launches crime fighters short code 18555 in Upper West

Mobile Telecommunications giant, MTN, and the British High Commission have partnered to present communication materials to the Ghana Police to help in driving public awareness for the use of the 18555 Crime Fighters Short Code.

Launch of the 18555 short code nationwide followed official launch in Accra. The Upper West Regional awareness was duly launched last month at the Police Regional Headquarters in the Upper West Region.

The free MTN 18555 short code, which was launched two years ago, has been of great assistance to the operations of the police. With the introduction of the short code, the general public can conveniently contact the police in times of danger and report crime by simply dialing 18555.

According to the police, the short code has played a considerable role in crime reduction in the country, particularly during the Christmas season, and the need for more public awareness about the availability of the code cannot be overemphasized.

Speaking at the presentation at the Ghana Police headquarters in the region, the Upper West Regional Commander DCOP Acheampong noted that policing is a shared responsibility and that information volunteered by the public through the short code has been very helpful.

“The Short Code is easy to memorize and the police is very happy that MTN and the British High Commission are supporting efforts at making the code stick in the minds of Ghanaians,” he said.

He called on the general public to make good use of the MTN short code to inform the police of any crime going on in any part of the country.

Head of Security at the British High Commission, Mr. Cillian Walsh, pledged the British High Commission's commitment to support the police service in the country.

He commended the Ghana Police Service for its track record of accomplishment and called on the public to support the police because effective policing should be a concerted effort.

On his part, the Manager of Network Group responsible for the MTN Northern Business District, Alfred Akoglo, expressed MTN's commitment to supporting initiatives that will help reduce the crime rate in the country.

He assured all gathered of MTN's unflinching support to the police to provide adequate security for the citizenry.

A number of fliers and stickers have been produced to create publicity among the general public about the benefit of the Crime Fighters Initiative. The Ghana Police also expressed their appreciation to MTN and took the opportunity to advise the general public to desist from prank calls since the exercise of crime fighting is of serious concern to the police.

Story by Adom News/Ghana