TIG Post

Tag: IGP

  • IGP initiates move to check suicide among police, issues direct order to superior officers

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh has charged superior officers of the Ghana Police Service to make time and listen to personal and family life challenges of their subordinates working under them.

    “At every level of Policing, Station officers, Unit, District, Divisional and Regional Commanders should give an opportunity to their staff to speak to their supervisors about work and personal challenges and also listen to the officers they work with,” he said.

    In view of the recent suspected suicide cases involving some police officers, he indicated that the service has reviewed and assessed its structures on mental health.

    “Where officers find it difficult to approach to their commanders, they can speak to members of the Police Management Board (POMAB) or Inspector General of Police and his team, they can also write to the IGP and his team and commanders are obliged to forward the message”, he charged.

    He revealed that the training and mental health of personnel is paramount to his administration underscoring the need for officers to undergo psychological training.

    “We are also in discussion with the Ghana Psychological Association to operate a sustainable mental health system to boost welfare support for personnel and their immediate family members. We are prepared to partner with organizations to ensure the mental wellbeing of personnel”, he assured.

    Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh however revealed that there are a number of professionally trained psychologists who attend to personnel as when the need arises.

    “Personnel are referred to clinical psychologists and psychiatrists at the Police Hospital or any other accredited health facility. These are culminated by welfare meetings and counselling sessions by officers of our religious affairs directorate”, he pointed out.

    Source: My News GH

  • Krowor residents appeal to IGP for help

    Residents of the Krowor Municipality of the Greater Accra, have appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr James Oppong-Boanuah, to take appropriate steps to intensity patrols, beef up security and protect lives and properties, in the area.

    The residents, particularly those of Regimauel Gray Estates, have raised the alarm that they were living in a state of insecurity and fear as armed robbers continued to harass and attack them, using sophisticated means.

    Some victims, who have fallen prey to the antics of the robbers, told the Ghanaian Times that they were terrorised in the evenings when traffic flow had reduced.

    They said the robbers stood by the road well-dressed, armed with guns tucked under their dresses and knives that look like combs concealed in their hair and waited for potential victims.

    Once the way was clear, they drew closer in a friendly manner towards victims, who include motorists and other road users, and engaged them in conversation. The residents said that as soon as the conversation begun, they robbed victims at gun point.

    One of the victims(name withheld), told the Ghanaian Times that she was walking towards the Nungua Market around 8:00pm when a gentleman neatly dressed engaged her in a conversation as though he knew her.

    She said two more men joined them, and one of them pulled a gun, pointed it at her and demanded her to hand over all her belongings.

    Another victim (name withheld), said she complied with the request of the gang and handed everything, including her mobile phone to them.

    She said that “The most astonishing aspect of the incident is that they warned me not to raise the alarm until they had left the scene or I risk being killed. As if hypnotized, I stood there in awe and watched them escape with my items.”

    Similarly, James Boateng, who also fell victim to the criminals, said he was attacked while walking towards the nearest bus stop from church.

    He said “While walking to the nearest bus stop, I realised two guys were walking behind me. One of them overtook me and blocked me from moving any further. The other person behind me came closer with a knife pointed at my side and ordered that I release my belongings to them.”

    Mr Boateng said without any hesitation he released everything in his possession to the criminals and they fled.

    But when contacted by Ghanaian Times on the issue, the District Police Commander for Nungua, Superintendent Abraham Apusyine, said the situation was yet to come to the attention of security personnel.

    He said stressed that “Interestingly, none of the victims has come to lodge a formal complaint to us.”

    Source: Ghanaian Times

  • Highway robbery shall be combated swiftly IGP assures residents of Upper East

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) James Oppong-Boanuh has pledged that highway robberies, which is on the ascendancy in the Upper East Region, will be swiftly dealt with as the Police Service working with other stakeholders are frantically strategising to curb the unfortunate trend even as the police continue to do their best possible to tackle the matter.

    Mr Oppong-Boanuh made the pledge Wednesday,17th February, 2021, after personally touring the spots where these highway robberies have occurred in the Upper East Region so as to apprise himself of the nature of the places and the measures so far put in place.

    “ I am going to sit down with the Regional Police Command and re-strategise and see what measures to put in place to ensure that these[robberies] do not occur,” he said.

    He continued that he will “sit down with them [the security agencies and other stakeholders] again. And we will review their plans and see what assistance we can give them to ensure that the crimes do not occur again. I can assure the general public that we are doing whatever we can and we will go to whatever length to ensure that the public is made safe.”

    His visit to the region was prompted by reports of several highway robberies within a short range of time, especially involving tomato traders who travel through the region to Burkina Faso to purchase fresh tomatoes.

    The traders who had come under intense attacks suspended their travels demanding that security be beefed up for them to ensure that they are safe as they go about their business.

    Source: My News GH

  • IGP assures Ghanaians of effective security

    Mr James Oppong-Boanuh, the Inspector General of Police, has assured the general public of the commitment of the Ghana Police Service to give effective security and stem crime in the country.

    The IGP acknowledged the high crime wave in parts of the country and the recent upsurge of robbery cases in the Upper East, and said the Police will go to every length to ensure public safety.

    He was speaking to the media at Pusunamongo in the Talensi District, Upper East Region, during a three- day working in the region and to visit recent crime scenes in the area.

    He was accompanied by a team made up of the Director-General in charge of Operations, Commissioner of Police (COP), Kwaku Boadu Peprah, Director, Operation, DCOP Sayibu Pabi Gariba, ACP Joseph Owusu Ansah (Chief of Staff), and the Director, Public Affairs, Mrs Sheila Kessie Abayie- Buckman.

    The IGP said though some interventions had already been put in place by the Regional Police Command in response to the crime situation in the region, he and his team would help review those plans and re-strategize to put measures in place to nib the situation in the bud.

    Mrs AbayieBuckman in response to questions from the media on tomato traders who had suffered attacks from armed robbers recently and other security issues, indicated that, personal safety and security were key and those escort innovations for traders especially tomato sellers from Accra to Kumasi needed to be well organized such that any escort would have to provide security for the fleet of vehicles travelling from Accra to Burkina Faso, “that will give effective escort than travelling individually”.

    Last week two drivers en-route to Burkina Faso were attacked and killed at Pusunamongo on the Bolgatanga Tamale highway in the Talensi District.

    One of the drivers who was on his way to Burkina-Faso with some traders to cart tomatoes was shot and killed and the traders robbed of various sums of money, whilst another driver carrying cement was also killed at the same spot.

    Earlier the IGP and his team visited Katiu, Kalinjilsa No.2, and Sandema in the Builsa North District, where similar attacks on traders had occurred.

    Briefing the IGP on the recent robbery cases that claimed one life in the district, the Sandema District Police Commander, ASP Francis Kwesi Amankwaa, said after the Police had escorted traders from Fumbisi to Chuchuliga in the Builsa North District on a market day and had returned to the station, a message was received that other traders were being attacked but when the Police got to the supposed scene, no one was there.

    The Commander said a dead person was found on the Katiu road with gun wounds and pellets at that scene, and the body had since been deposited at the mortuary awaiting autopsy.

    As part of measures to improve the situation, the Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP Osei Kweku Ampofo-Duku has directed that the Police should escort traders to and from market centres.

    Source: GNA

  • Robbery Attacks: IGP storms Bolga and environs, deploys Special Anti-Robbery commandos

    As part of measures geared towards addressing the insecurity in the five regions of the North, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is in the Upper East Region for a working tour.

    In recent times, there have been several reports from the Upper East region of robbery attacks on citizens in the region.

    The robberies are both daylight and night robberies on the people at home and even in Church. Worrying is also the incessant attacks on market women who ply the roads to Burkina Faso for tomatoes.

    In the Upper East Region, the IGP according to the Upper East Regional Police P.R.O ASP David Okyere-Fianko will be visiting some Districts which have been earmarked as hotspots of these robbery attacks in the region.

    The Inspector-General of Police is expected to also meet the media in the region in an interactive session on measures put in place to ensure that citizens are provided with the protection they need to keep them safe.

    Meanwhile, the IGP has deployed Special Anti-Robbery Teams to support local police in some of the affected areas, to combat crime.

    Source: My News GH

  • The military was only used in emergency situations at polling centres IGP clarifies

    The Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh has squashed claims that military men were deployed at various polling centres on December 7 to oversee the electoral process.

    According to him, the allegations are false as some military men spotted at some centres on the day, were only there to serve as a back-up in emergency cases.

    At a press briefing Thursday, December 10, 2020, the IGP noted that the general election was supervised by the Police Service and other security agencies without the involvement of the military.

    Mr Oppong-Boanuh, while addressing the media said, “It is important to highlight that we rolled out a four-tier deployment strategy for the elections which revolved around static duties at the polling stations and the collation centres, Mobile patrols, Rapid Response Teams and Reserved Teams. The core election duty was at the polling stations and the collation centres where personnel of the various security agencies were deployed without the involvement of the military.”

    The IGP furthered that, “The military, together with the various Operation Units of the Ghana Police Service were deployed for back-up in emergency situations. The military was not involved in the duties at the polling stations but were called in under rapid response and emergency situations only. The impression being created that the military was used at the polling stations is therefore not correct.”

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has said about five people have died from electoral and post-electoral incidents nationwide.

    The security agency pointed out that 21 of the incidents were through electoral violence while 6 involved gunshots resulting in the death of 5.

    The cases according to the Police happened in the Awutu Senya East, Odododiodio, Ablekuma Central constituencies among others across the country.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Election 2020: Go home after voting – IGP cautions Ghanaians

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP), James Oppong-Boanuh has advised electorates not to loiter around the polling stations during the December 7 polls.

    In an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” programme, the IGP stated that every Ghanaian who goes to cast his or her vote should immediately return home after exercising their franchise.

    According to him, the security agencies have been charged to ensure peace at the various polling stations, hence they will not deal lightly with any person who attempts to cause mayhem.

    “No one else is allowed. When you finish voting, go home and you can return when the counting of the ballots commences. But for you to be at the polling station to impede the security personnel, that will be obstructing the duties of the Police and the other security agencies, and that in itself is an offence that we can arrest and prosecute you in the court,” he stated.

    He also warned political party members and supporters not to obstruct the duties of the security personnel.

    “Providing security for the elections is the responsibility of the security agencies. So, we don’t expect any other person will go to the polling stations that he or she is there to secure the elections. We don’t need party security at the polling station. Every party has its observers and polling agents and they’re the only people we recognize as agents that the law permits them to come to the polling stations.”

    Source: Peace FM

  • Election 2020: 6,187 flashpoints identified – IGP

    The leadership of the Ghana Police Service says it has identified 6,178 flashpoint ahead of the upcoming polls.

    Following this, Inspector General of Police, James Oppong Boanuh said, the police Service has is prepared and has adopted efficient measures to be able to patrol these areas and ensure a free fair and transparent Electoral process.

    Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Wednesday, November 4, 20, 2020, the IGP said,

    “We have identified 6,178 flashpoints nationwide. Our approach in these areas will be slightly different from what we will do in others. Patrols will be visible to prevent any mishap”

    The IGP also added that the service will operate joint operation centres on election.

    This he explained will prevent disinformation and election-related violence in the upcoming polls.

    “On the election day, we will operate joint operation centres which will have monitoring teams. We will also continue to engage the media on our electoral process, until the process itself is over,” he added.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • We will provide security for Volta Region – IGP

    Mr James Oppong Boanuh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) has assured the people of the Volta Region that the necessary security would be provided during the upcoming general elections.

    He said hotspots in the Region were being identified, and that more personnel would be deployed ahead of the elections.

    Mr Boanuh gave the assurance when he visited the Region as part of a nationwide tour and said: “Ghanaians should rest assure that we will provide security for Volta Region.”

    He called on the populace to support efforts at maintaining peace before, during, and after the December election and appealed to the voting masses to go to polls “peacefully”, and try to stay away from violence.

    The IGP said the Service was working in close collaboration with other security agencies including the military, which he cited was helping with rapid response in violent situations.

    He also asked that all grievances be directed at the appropriate quarters.

    “You can trust the Ghana Police Service. The security agencies are ready and prepared to deal with any situation.

    We appeal to all to help maintain peace throughout. All grievances must be rooted through authorised legal means,” Mr Boanuh stated.

    The IGP, as part of his tour, had discussions with Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, and also paid a courtesy call on Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State.

    He also met with the leadership of the Police Service in the Region and witnessed a stimulation exercise mounted by the Regional Command to exhibit the preparedness of the police in ensuring an incident-free election.

    Source: GNA

  • US delegation calls on IGP to discuss election-related security

    A delegation from the U.S Department of State has paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh, to discuss issues related to security in the upcoming December 7, 2020.

    The US delegation was led by the Regional Security Officer, Bill Peiler, who also used the occasion to formally introduce himself to the IGP.

    According to a post on the official Facebook page of the Ghana Police, Mr Peiler also assured Mr Oppong-Boanuh of his support to peace in the upcoming elections.

    “The IGP made it clear that the Police Service will protect the ballot on the election day and will confidently discharge their duties to the good people of Ghana before, during and after the elections,” the Facebook post said.

    Police personnel last month held what it called ‘an endurance march’ to demonstrate their preparedness to adequately ensure security in the upcoming elections.

    Police ambulance, trained dogs and armoured vehicles were displayed during the march through the principal streets of Accra.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • We need to step up our game – IGP tells Senior Police Officers

    The Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh, has charged senior police officers to play their parts as effective supervisors by actively getting involved in the prevention of crime.

    In a meeting with the senior officers in the Ashanti Region, on October 15, 2020, the IGP pointed out that some attitudes of police officers have resulted in public backlash.

    “Most of you work hard but some do not and without the full complement of each one of us, the burden would be too heavy to carry. A stitch in time saves nine,” IGP Oppong-Boanuh was quoted on the official Facebook page of the Ghana Police Service.

    According to the publication on the Facebook page, the officers pledged to live up to expectations.

    The IGP had been in the Ashanti Region to audit operational capacity of the regional command and to listen to the officers at a durbar of all ranks, according to the report.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Dec polls: Live up to expectation IGP to Police

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr James Oppong-Boanuh, has urged Police Officers and officers from other security services who will partake in election security for December 2020 to live up to the expectation of Ghanaians and the global community.

    “Ladies and gentlemen we are duty bearers. Our duties are governed by law. When discharged effectively, the people we serve would definitely be happy with us. Let us live up to the expectation of the people,” Mr Oppong-Boanuh said.

    The IGP made this counsel when he met with Police Officers in the Ahafo region, on 14th October 2020 when he inspected the operational capability of the Ahafo Regional Police Command, and their readiness for the upcoming elections.

    The Ahafo Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mr Ernest Kwabena Owusu briefed the IGP on the state of capability of the Police.

    Simulations exercises were also undertaken to demonstrate preparedness of the officers.

    Source: Class FM

  • We need to step up our game – IGP to Senior Police Officers

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr James Oppong-Boanuh has charged Senior Police Officers (SPOs) to play their roles as effective supervisors by actively getting involved in the prevention of crime.

    In a meeting with SPOs in the Ashanti Region, today 15th October 2020; the IGP minced no words in pointing out some attitudes of Police Officers, which result in public backlash.

    “Most of you work hard but some do not and without the full complement of each one of us, the burden would be too heavy to carry. A stitch in time saves nine” said IGP Oppong-Boanuh.

    With eagerness, the officers pledged to live up to expectations. The IGP is in the Ashanti region to audit the operational capacity of the regional command and to listen to the officers at a durbar of all ranks.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Mfantseman shooting: Akufo-Addo charges IGP to apprehend killers of MP at all cost

    President Akufo-Addo has charged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that the killers of late Mfantseman MP are apprehended.

    He said the murder of Ekow Quansah Hayford, “is a big blow to me and this is why I have made it known to the IGP that if nothing is done about this particular matter, what will happen will happen.”

    The President said this during his visit to the bereaved family where he noted that the unfortunate occurrence is a test case for IGP, James Oppong-Boanuh.https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/GOnvR46E-bOZsmy48.html

    Mr Quansah Hayford was shot by persons believed to be highway robbers in the early hours of October 9, on the Abeadze Dominase Abeadze Duadzi Mankessim Road on his return from a campaign trip.

    Nana Akufo-Addo announced that government will assume the responsibility of catering for the widow and her children.

    He added that the family will also be supported in giving the late MP a befitting burial.

    Meanwhile, the IGP has placed a ¢20,000 bounty on the heads of the killers of the late MP.

    In a statement issued by the Public Relations Directorate of the Police Service and signed by Supt. of Police, Sheila Kesse Abayie-Buckman, the Service said the money will only be given for credible information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • IGP receives Japanese Ambassador

    The Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh received The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana His Excellency Tsutomu Hiemeno at the Police Headquarters in Accra on October 6, 2020.

    The visit was to signify the value placed on the partnership between the Ghana Police Service and the Japan Embassy and Japanese nationals in the area of Security.

    H.E Hiemeno explained that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) training programme for knowledge co-creation will continue particularly in the area of organizational management, community policing, and cybercrime.

    The IGP expressed his gratitude for the visit and briefed him on security preparedness towards the upcoming general elections in Ghana.

    The Ambassador was accompanied by the Head of Consular at the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, Fujiwara Kenji, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Prosecuting electoral offences a challenge for Police IGP

    The Inspector-General of Police,James Oppong-Boanuh has stated that prosecution of electoral related offences has been one of the challenges of the Police Service, especially Police Prosecutors.

    He disclosed this at the launch of legal education on the prosecution of electoral related offences, for Police Management Board Members and selected Senior Police Officers from the Police Headquarters, Accra and Tema Police Commands.

    The launch, which took place at the Police Headquarters on 18th August 2020 is aimed at equipping Police Officers at various levels of command, Police Prosecutors and Investigators with the requisite know-how to successfully identify, arrest and prosecute persons who commit electoral offences, said the Director-General of Legal and Prosecutions, COP Mr Nathan Kofi Boakye.

    He also said that legal education will be organized across the country for all Police Commanders, Prosecutors, and Investigators as part of preparation towards the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

    Source: Class FM

  • Election 2020: The law will deal ruthlessly with unruly youth IGP warns

    The Inspector-General of Police(IGP), Mr James Oppong-Boanuh has warned that the law will deal ruthlessly with any lawless youth groups or individuals who intend to undermine the security of the country.

    According to the police chief, violence does not pay in any way and therefore will ensure that men and women of the service are deployed to protect law and order prior, during and after the 2020 polls.

    “To the youth of the country, particularly the youth of this beautiful Northern Region, let me remind you that we have one Ghana. Let no one attempt to take the law into their own hands, the long arm of the law will deal with any person or group of persons who may disturb the peace that the country is enjoying. Note that violence does not pay”, he urged while addressing a gathering in Tamale.

    Mr James Oppong-Boanuh took the opportunity to advise police personnel to professional in the discharge of their duties in order not to court unnecessary disaffection to themselves ahead of the polls.

    “I urge all police officers to be more circumspect, highly professional and impartial in the discharge of their duties. We have to follow laid down procedures to police the ballot and protect lives and properties. We must win every complaint, and we must do so speedily to clear the doubts of the critics”, he urged.

    He also pledged the readiness of the police service to maintain law and order before, during and after the 2020 polls.

    According to him, his outfit is prepared to do whatever it takes legally to ensure that the elections come off without any incidents urging the youth in particular not to allow themselves to be used by self-seeking politicians for personal gain.

    “The police is ready to maintain law and order before, during and after the 2020 polls. There is however the need for collaboration between the security agencies and the citizenry to ensure that the polls is not characterized by incidents. Education is key in this regard,” he observed.

    Source: My News GH

  • IGP condemns lynching of 90-year old woman at Kafaba

    The Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh has condemned the lynching of 90-year-old Akua Denteh at Kafaba in the Savannah Region.

    Akua Denteh, about two weeks ago, was tortured and killed after she was accused of being a witch by a supposed priestess brought into the community to allegedly cleanse it.

    The matter has generated nationwide condemnation with calls on the police to ensure that all those culpable are made to face the law.

    During a visit to the Savannah Region, Mr. Oppong-Boanuh expressed worry over the incident and urged Ghanaians

    “The incident was something that was worrying. If you look at the age of the woman and what was done to her by her own relatives is a bit disheartening. Ghanaians in this age and times should not be doing that. Why is it that it is always the ladies that are being accused of witchcraft? We should always ensure that we protect our mothers and sisters.”

    So far, seven people are in police custody in connection with the incident.

    Six of them have already been arraigned and charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

    The other one is a 40-year-old priestess, Sherina Mohammed, who is alleged to have masterminded the lynching has been remanded into police custody.

    Sherina Mohammed has admitted to being the woman in the viral video, but denied she led the lynching.

    She is expected to reappear in court on 20th August 2020.

    Akufo-Addo welcomes recent arrests

    President Akufo-Addo has expressed his satisfaction with the arrest of these persons believed to have taken part in the gruesome murder of the woman.

    He is hopeful the prosecution of the individuals will serve as a deterrent to others.

    “I am happy that the Regional Minister says five people have been arrested and will be arraigned. I beg you. We do not want to hear of such an incident again”, the President said during a tour to Damongo.

    The President had earlier said the lynching had disfigured the nation and prayed for justice to prevail.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Desist from mob justice IGP cautions as he visits Kafaba

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), James Oppong-Boanuh, has cautioned citizens of the Savannah Region to desist from mob justice.

    He made this remark on Wednesday, August 5, when he paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boresa.

    The IGP also appealed to the people to ensure peace at all times, including during the upcoming elections.

    “Let me thank the Savannah Regional Minister for supporting the police administration which led to the arrest of some of the suspects connected to the lynching of the 90-year-old woman at Kafaba.”

    Responding to an appeal by the Yagbonwura and the Savannah Regional Minister for more police posts in the Region, the IGP assured them the police administration will establish more posts across the country.

    The Regional Minister, Adam Salifu Braimah, on behalf of the chiefs and people of the Region, commended the efforts of the police administration in ensuring peace in the Region.

    He indicated that but for the police, the Kafaba case would have been more serious.

    “The Region is grateful to you and your men for the swiftness in responding to events in the past that compromised security.”

     

    Source: 3 News

  • IGP places GH¢2,000 bounty on head of killers of 90-year-old woman

    The Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong Boanuh has announced a GH¢2000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest of persons who participated in the murder of the 90-year-old woman in Salaga in the Savannah Region.

    The police chief has also dispatched a team of experts from the homicide unit of the Ghana Police Service, to smoke the suspects out of their hideouts.

    These were stated in a release issued Sunday and signed by Director of Public Affairs Unit of the Police Service, Superintendent Sheila Abeyie-Buckman.

    The late Madam Akua Denteh was beaten to death at Kafaba near Salaga in the Eat Gknja District, following accusations that she was a witch.

    Six persons who led the attack- Sanjo, Hajia Filini, Teacher Aliu, Bumaye, Ashley and Manafo- are said to be on the run after committing the crime.

    Below is the statement from the Police Service:

    Source: angelonline.com.gh

     

  • I respect the IGP for his passion for peace – Ya-Naa praises

    The Dagbon overlord, Ya-Naa Abukari Mahama II has heaped praises on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) James Oppong-Boanuh for his passion for peace.

    Ya-Naa Abukari Mahama II observed that his resolve to see that there is always a cordial working relationship between the Gbewaa Palace and the police administration deserves commendation.

    “Let me thank the IGP for his passion for peace by sending this delegation on a fact-finding mission to my palace”, he told police chiefs during a visit to him in Yendi last Thursday.

    According to the respected King, he was elated that the IGP decided to send a delegation to listen to his concerns over the irreconcilable differences between him and the embattled Yendi Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Peter Akokora Ayirezang.

    It would be recalled that a delegation dispatched by the Inspector General of Police James Oppong-Boanuh led by the Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), COP Ken Yeboah visited Yendi over the development.

    Other members of the group included the Regional Commander, COP TY Bonga Director-General of Welfare, COP/ Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo Danquah and DCOP RV Dedjoe, Director-General Police Intelligence & Professional Standards Bureau and Chief Superintendent Mrs. Fanny Aboagye.

    The Ya-Naa, his cabinet and the police chiefs smoked a peace pipe over the disagreements that culminated in the banishing of the police chief from Yendi following some disrespectful comments he was purported to have made.

    Source: My News GH

  • IGP visits families of drowned police officers

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), James Oppong-Boanuh, has visited the families of the two police officers who drowned in the Oda river near Obuasi last week.

    Briefing the media, the IGP expressed his condolences to the bereaved family as well as colleagues of the two officers.

    “Last week, we lost two of our officers who drowned and as such we are here to visit their families and express our condolences to them”, he said in the local parlance, Twi.

    On July 16, 2020, it was reported on Angelonline.com.gh that two Lance Corporals Stephen Kyeremeh and Amedius Akwesi Boateng of the Ghana Police Service stationed at the Obuasi District Police Command drowned in a river while returning from operational duties.

    However, the police on Friday, July 17, 2020 announced that the bodies of the two officers have been retrieved from the Oda River.

    Meanwhile, Mr. Oppong-Boanuh has encouraged colleagues of the late corporals to be steadfast and not allow the loss of their colleagues to hinder their work.

    According to the Inspector General, the MCEs and DCEs of Obuasi East and Obuasi West have expressed satisfaction about the performance of police within the area.

    Source: angelonline.com.gh

  • Nigeria’s police arrests 799 rape suspects in 5-months – IGP Adamu

    The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu has said that there has been an upsurge on sexual-based violence as a result of the lockdown imposed by the government to contain the spread of the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic.

    IGP Adamu, who was flanked by the Ministers of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen and the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said within five months, the Police have recorded 717 rape incidents, arrested 799 rape suspects, 631 of the cases investigated and charged to court, while investigations are ongoing on 52 of the cases.

    The Police boss, who said that some people indulge in rape for ritual purposes, assured that all those involved in the criminal act will not go scotched free.

    According, “We are here to brief you on sexual and gender-based violence and the action that the government has been taking, particularly the Nigeria Police. “It has come to the public knowledge now that because of the COVID-19 restrictions, we have surged in cases of rape and gender-based violence. These are cases that are now coming up but we want to let members of the public know that, rape and gender-based violence have been there.

    “The law enforcement agents have been dealing with these cases, in most cases, members of the public are not aware of the actions that the law enforcement agents have been taking.

    “The Nigeria police so far from January to May 2020, we have recorded about 717 rape incidents that were reported across the country, about 799 suspects have been arrested, 631 cases conclusively investigated and charged to court and 52 cases are left and under investigation.

    “The police and other security agencies and other Non-Governmental Organizations have been collaborating, to see to it that these cases of rape and gender-based violence are dealt with.

    The NGOs and CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) that have the capacity to deal with this kind of offenses, have been cooperating with law enforcement agencies in capacity building, management of victims of rape and similar offenses and procedures for collecting evidence, towards successful prosecution.”

    IGP Adamu said the upsurge of rape cases in recent times has made the government take a more drastic approach towards curbing the menace. He called on every Nigerian that has or comes across to any victim of sexual offences or rape or gender-based violence, to quickly report to law enforcement agents.

    He said, “Keeping it without reporting it will give room for the perpetrators to continue to commit the offenses. It is a very wicked offense, it is a very serious offense, it is very wicked of an individual to engage in rape or defilement.

    “And there are a lot of causes, some are doing it for ritual purposes, some are doing it because they are within the family and they see the victims and have the urge to go into it and do it. But such people should not be allowed to go scotch free.

    “I am just to inform you that the government is doing something about it and you can see me with the Ministers of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and Women Affairs Development, Pauline Tallen.

    “From now onward, a national partnership with every stakeholder is what we are going into. It will not only be within the country but within the sub-region. We have to partner with organizations that are involved in this.”

    IGP Adamu said the Police and the government have been working with UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) and other civil society organizations to curtail sexual-based violence in the country.

    Source: vanguardngr.com

  • Police officers who contract coronavirus to get special package IGP

    Police personnel who contract the deadly coronavirus in the performance of their duties will receive a special package from the Ghana Police Service, the IGP James Oppong-Boanuh has announced.

    He, however, did not reveal details of the support which he stated will also be extended to the family members of the affected personnel.

    A COVID-19 technical team, he said, has been constituted at the police headquarters in Accra to deal with all matters involving police personnel in relation to the coronavirus, which has so far infected over 2,700 people in the country and killed 18 of them with 297 recoveries.

    “To the personnel of the Ghana Police Service who have devoted your lives to help enforce the restrictions or let me say who have risked your lives to ensure that the restrictions are enforced, the Police Service thank you very much for your devotion,” he said.

    The IGP said this while launching a Ghana Police-Zoomlion fumigation and disinfection exercise in Accra Wednesday.

    The exercise, which kicks off at the Ghana Police Training School at Tesano in Accra, will see the waste management giant, Zoomlion fumigate and disinfect all police facilities and installations across the country against dangerous insects and COVID-19.

    COP Oppong-Boanuh said the Police management board appreciates their sacrifices, stating that “appropriate measures have been put in place to support you and prevent you from getting infections and any of you who is infected in the course of your duty”.

    The IGP said the COVID-19 technical team will ensure the uniformed men and women will “get maximum support as well as members of your family in this difficult time”.

    He suggested some of the about 5000 personnel who were deployed for the anti-COVID-19 lockdown duties in Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi have been infected by the virus but did not give further details.

    “As you are all aware, The Ghana Police Service and other security agencies have partnered the Ghana Health Service as front liners to help fight this pandemic. It is not surprising to have a number of police personnel come in contact with infected persons and also get infected,” he stated.

    Meanwhile, the Director-General in charge of General Services at the Ghana Police Service, Mr George Alex Mensah said all police front liners have been tested for the deadly virus but the results are yet to be made available to the police.

    “All our front liners have been tested including even those at the headquarters but results are being awaited.

    “Those who were on lockdown duties have been tested and the results are being awaited. As at now, we have not received any positive [case] from any of the tests,” he said and noted that those personnel have since resumed their official duties after self-isolation.

    Mr Alex Mensah, however, revealed that “almost all the personnel at Adenta Police station where some infected suspects were sent there have been asked to isolate themselves”.

    He also said although “there is an administrative package but that cannot be said here”.

    Source: 3 News

  • IGP orders search for caning policeman and victim

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh has directed the Accra Regional Police Commander to probe into the case of an elderly woman alleged to have been assaulted by a police man on Wednesday.

    A viral video emerged Wednesday in which the woman, identified only as Madam Florence, was alleged to have been given two strokes of the cane by a police man for no apparent reason.

    She had gone to the market to buy tomatoes for sale in her stall, permissible under the lockdown regime in effect over Accra and Kumasi.

    She claimed as she made her way to the lorry park with a head porter carrying her goods in tow, a police man ordered them to go back.

    Madam Florence alleges that she turned to go back and called the head porter to follow suit, only to feel two sharp bites of the cane on her back, causing her to lose grip of the tomatoes she was carrying and spilling them, and when she turned, it was the policeman who had lashed her.

    Supt. Mrs. Sheila Abayie-Buckman, Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service says the IGP wants the woman to be traced and listened to for evidence gathering and the offending officer identified.

    She told Joy News: “It is unfortunate what happened to Madam Florence. In fact and indeed, when we saw the video yesterday the Inspector General of Police instructed (the) Accra Regional Commander to locate, to find whatever evidence can be found, to locate the woman to tell her story and if she points out to any of the security personnel having done that he should follow the lead to identify the police or the security officer.”

    Supt. Sheila Abayie-Buckman said the processes have started and that the woman says she can identify the policeman in question.

    “We know all the police officers who were detailed to duty at the point where the incident is purported to have happened,” she said.

    Security men supervising the lockdown in effect in Accra and Kumasi and their environs to help curtail the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic were Wednesday seen wielding canes, amidst sporadic reports of lockdown offenders being lashed with the canes.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • UN petitions IGP over imposter affiliate groups in Ghana

    The United Nations is requesting the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to deal with what it describes as identity theft by some unscrupulous organisations operating in Ghana under the pretext of being affiliated to the world body.

    According to the UN, it has evidence of fraudulent activities being perpetrated by two institutions including a group calling itself the United Nations youth who have for some time now posited as one of their agencies and appointing resident representatives.

    At a high-powered delegation meeting in Accra between officials of the foreign affairs ministry and all heads of UN organisations in Ghana, one of the scam letters with a purported endorsement from former minister for foreign affairs Hannah Tetteh was tendered as part of illegal dealings of the group.

    However, UN Resident Coordinator Sylvia Lopez-Ekra reveals that a notice has been sent to the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to deal with the matter.

    “We have no relationship with them, two different groups actually, so we are getting concerned that the name of the UN is being abused and of course it can lead to money being lost to the victims. it can lead to identity theft so we would kingly request the support of the ministry in helping to deal with this. We have sent it to the national security and also to the Inspector General of Police,” said Ms Lopez-Ekra.

    Meanwhile, the deputy foreign affairs minister, Charles Owiredu, who was also present at the meeting assured the delegation that the matter would be appropriately dealt with while indicating that further consultations will be held with the UN in accrediting some international organisations or groupings.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Bortianor Hills residents appeal to IGP for police protection

    Some residents of Bortianor Hills (Mountain View Area) on the Kokrobite-Tuba road in Accra are appealing to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr James Oppong-Boanuh, to help intensify security at the area following the soaring activities of armed men believed to be land guards who are terrorising residents in the area.

    According to the residents, the land guards have ejected many of the residents from their houses and had taken possession of such houses, where they engaged in all sort of lawless activities including smoking of marijuana.

    The leader of the residents in the area, Mr Bernard Ahetor, told Graphic Online that they were living under fear in the area, as the area had become haven for criminals.

    According to him, although the police in the area had been notified about the situation, nothing had been done about it.

    For Alex Mensah, also a resident, alleged that when the land guards came to the area and started harassing the residents there, the Weija Police were informed but they (the residents) were told by the police to hire another armed men to face off the land guards so that in the melee, the police would then come in to make arrest.

    “We reported the situation to the police about the lawless activities of the land guards here, but the commander told us to hire people to fight them (the land guards) so that in the process, the police will come to arrest them,” he explained.

    According to him, since they could not hire other armed men to fight the land guards, the police had done nothing about the situation.

    “My brother, they smoke weed in the open and the police are aware of their activities, yet they have not arrested a single person,” Mr Mensah told Graphic Online.

    He said many of the residents who feared being attacked by the land guards had relocated from the area, pointing out that “We are living in a constant fear of being attacked. We are helpless.”

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • IGP warns against blocking of roads during protests

    The Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh has cautioned individuals and groups who embark on demonstrations to desist from blocking roads as part of their protests.

    He said police will prosecute individuals or groups who fail to adhere to designated routes mapped out during their protests.

    Read: Tarkwa-Nsuaem youth block road after girl dies in gory accident

    Delivering the keynote address at the commissioning of the newly constructed Akropong Police Headquarters which was constructed by the Church of Pentecost, COP Oppong-Boanuh said the command is ready to deal with trouble makers in this election year.

    “Let me also repeat that any group of persons who are planning to foment trouble before, during or after the elections should think twice because we will be ready for them because we know that citizens have rights but the rights must be exercised in accordance with the law.”

    “You have the right to demonstrate but you have no rights to block the roads preventing other users from using it. That is why we sit down with organizers of demonstrations to map up the route so if we give you route A, we expect that you follow route A but if you decide to use route B and you create a problem for us we will make sure we will meet you in court”.

    Read: Kejebril-Mpohor-Adum Banso road blocked

    He also assured that the police will be transparent and fair in their dealings.

    “We can only get the support that we require most from the public to perform our duty if we are seen to be transparent, if we are seen not to engage in corruption, if we are seen to encourage the public we are working with to support us and we can only do this if they see us as not trying to enrich ourselves but trying to do our work for the common good for the ordinary citizen of the country”.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Election 2020: Police ready for troublemakers IGP

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), James Oppong Boanuh has warned persons intending to foment trouble before, during and after the December 7 general elections to reconsider their plans.

    According to him, the police are ready to deal ruthlessly with any such miscreants who will want to mar the peace of the nation.

    Read: IGP decorates newly promoted COPs and DCOPs

    The IGP has also assured the good people of Ghana that the Police Service will ensure that it performs its duties professionally during the upcoming election in a way that will not seem to favour a particular political party.

    “As we enter an election year, let me assure Ghanaians that we the officers and men of the Ghana Police Service in collaboration with our sister security organizations will do everything possible to ensure that our duties are performed in a way that does not favour anybody. We will be very fair and firm in the performance of our duties.”

    The IGP was speaking when he joined the Church of Pentecost in Akropong Akuapem to commission a GHC516,000 two-storey Police Station edifice constructed by the Church.

    Read: IGP promotes over 6,000 junior police officers to higher ranks

    The Church used six months to construct the facility for Akropong District Police Command which was being evicted from an over 40-year-old rented apartment.

    The Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Aful Boakye Yiadom appealed to other organizations to help the police administration bridge the huge accommodation deficit in the service forcing officers to be in private scattered apartments which makes mobilization during emergency difficult.

     

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • IGP visits Yeji, Busunya following attack on police stations

    The chiefs of Yeji and Busunya have pledged to assist the police to bring to book the youth who vandalised two police stations in the two towns.

    The chiefs said they did not support such criminal actions and condemned, in no uncertain terms, the attacks by the youth on the police stations.

    The Omanhene of Yeji Traditional Area, Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V, and the chief of Busunya, Nana Okorofo Narko Gyabaa II, gave the pledge when the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr James Oppong-Boanuh, visited the two communities to assess the situation after some members of the two communities attacked the Yeji and Busunya Police stations on November 26, 2019.

    Read: Police hunt for Yeji rapist

    Meetings

    A press release issued by the Public Affairs Department of the Ghana Police Service, said during the visit, the IGP held meetings with the chiefs and people of Yeji traditional area in the Pru District as well as the people of Busunya in the Nkoranza North District, both in the Bono East Region.

    It said the IGP, at both meetings, expressed his displeasure about the attacks and the damage caused to the Busunya Police station and the two Police vehicles at Yeji.

    The IGP, it said, warned that the Police Administration would not tolerate any attack on police officers or police property and urged the chiefs of both areas to advise the youth to desist from such unlawful acts, stressing that “an attack on any police officer or police facility will have dire consequences on the security of the area”.

    Yeji

    The statement said Pimampim Kagbrese, on behalf of the people of Yeji, commended the IGP for personally visiting the area and indicated that the chiefs had good relations with the Police.

    It said Pimampim Kagbrese, however, used the opportunity to appeal to the IGP to help curb the incidence of robberies in the area.

    Read: Yeji police impound trucks with PFJ fertiliser bound for Burkina Faso

    Police meeting

    The statement said Mr Oppong-Boanuh also held separate meetings with police officers in Yeji and Busunya, where he commended the officers for their level of professionalism.

    He urged the personnel to be disciplined in the discharge of their duties.

    It said the IGP and his entourage also visited the Yeji Catholic Hospital, which was also attacked by the youth and assured the hospital administration of police protection.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • IGP interdicts 2 Policemen over Kasoa killing

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr James Oppong-Boanuh, has directed the immediate interdiction of two policemen in connection with the shooting and killing of a 22-year-old man at Kasoa last Friday night.

    He has also directed the Kasoa Divisional Police to retrieve all weapons, uniforms and other police accoutrement in the possession of the suspects: Lance Corporal Issifu Tahiru and Corporal Samuel Boamah.

    Read: Police pick up 5 in connection with Mankessim shooting

    The two policemen, who until the incident were members of the Rovers Unit of the Kasoa Divisional Police Command, are currently in custody, pending investigations into the incident at a drinking spot.

    They are said to have had a confrontation with some customers at the JVC, a popular drinking spot at the Kasoa Main Roundabout, where they had gone to drink, during which a pistol belonging to one of the policemen was used to shoot Musah Mohammed in an ensuing skirmish, leaving the victim dead.

    Distress call

    According to the Central Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Irene Oppong, about 12.30 a.m. last Saturday, the Kasoa Divisional Police Command received a distress call that Corporal Boamah of the Kasoa Rovers Unit had shot and killed a civilian at Kasoa.

    She said when the police proceeded to the scene, they gathered that L/Cpl Tahiru and Cpl Boamah had gone to the spot to drink, with L/Cpl Tahiru holding a side arm loaded with 13 live ammunition.

    Read: IGP to sanction personnel as sex scandals increase in the service

    She said in the course of drinking, there was a confrontation between the two policemen and some customers of the JVC and Tahiru pulled out the gun in order to frighten the crowd, but Boamah snatched it and fired it, killing Mohammed.

    Detained

    DSP Oppong said both policemen had been detained, after the pistol with nine rounds of ammunition had been retrieved from them.

    She said the police were handling the case as a murder case, and that investigations into it had started in earnest.

    Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Police Hospital in Accra.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • IGP announces measures to curb police ‘misbehaviour’

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has announced some strategies to mitigate the issue of traffic police misconduct and possibly putting an end to it.

    In a statement signed by the Director-General of Police Public Affairs, ACP David Eklu, he said a number of special phone numbers will be released to the public to serve as a platform for individuals to send videos, pictures or any form of evidence, showing police misconduct.

    Read: Ashanti Police Command interdicts 3 policemen; Man dies in operation

    Police misconduct and unprofessionalism on the road including the acceptance of bribes, unwarranted detainment of drivers and the use of inappropriate language has long been an issue of concern.

    But it seems this will end soon as the new IGP says police officers found guilty of engaging in unscrupulous behaviour by virtue of any messages sent to the announced numbers, will be “expeditiously dealt with” and held accountable for their inappropriate actions.

    Read: 58 police officers in deprived areas promoted

    The Police Administration urges the public to comply with these strategies and do their part in putting an end to this issue.

    Below is the statement:

     

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Council of State to confirm Acting IGP today

    The Council of State is expected to confirm the appointment of the Acting IGP James Oppong-Boanuh today, October 4.

    James Oppong-Boanuh was appointed as acting Inspector-General of Police by President Akufo-Addo to replace David Asante Apeatu until a substantive appointment is made.

    Council of State according to Joy FM’s report will today confirm or not the Acting IGP as a substantive boss for the Ghana Police Service.

    Read: Remain impartial during 2020 polls Acting IGP to Police officers

    About James Oppong-Boanuh

    Mr James Oppong-Boanuh was born in 1958 at Aboabo No. 1, Dormaa District in the then Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. He obtained his GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels at the Dormaa Secondary School, Dormaa Ahenkro (1977, 1979).

    Commissioner James Oppong-Boanuh is an alumnus of the University of Ghana and the Ghana School of Law. He was called to the Bar and enrolled as a member of the Ghana Bar Association in 1984. COP James Oppong-Boanuh also holds a Masters in Human Rights from the University of Education, Winneba (2015) and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Law and Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon (1982).

    Two years (1986-1988) before he started his career with the Ghana Police Service in 1988, he worked as the Legal Officer at the Legal Department of the Agricultural Development Bank in Accra.

    He did two years at the Ghana Police Training School and the Ghana Police Academy which included fieldwork at the Accra Central Police Division, graduating in 1990.

    During his time with the Ghana Police Service, he has held several command and staff positions including Chief Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police (1990-1996); Director-General/Welfare, Director-General/Human Resources; Regional Commander, Director-General/Legal and Prosecutions and Deputy IGP.

    Between 1996-2000, James Oppong-Boanuh was the Senior Legal Officer at the National Police Headquarters where he advised the Ghana Police Administration on matters of law on both criminal and civil. He directed and supervised investigations by giving legal advice on case files at both investigations and prosecutions level.

    He later worked in the United Nations Mission in Mozambique (ONUMOZ) in 1994 and with the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor (UNTAET) from 2001 to 2002.

    From November 2004 to March 2005, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). He also served as acting Police Commissioner and head of the Police component of AMIS where he led an Advance Team to set up the Police component of the Mission from scratch.

    On August 19, 2010, he took up duties as Police Commissioner to the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on 19 August 2010. He succeeded South African Micheal Fryer. At the UNAMID, he facilitated the appointment of female officers into command positions.

    In October 2018, he was granted a one-year contract service as Deputy Director-General of the Police effective October 8, 2018, to October 7, 2019, by President Akufo-Addo.

    Read: Group petitions IGP over land guards

    On Monday, July 22, 2019, he was appointed the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) by President Akufo-Addo.

    Mr. Oppong-Boanuh will act as IGP until a substantive IGP is appointed in accordance with the Constitution, a statement signed by Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications of the Presidency said.

    His appointment followed a directive by President Akufo-Addo to the IGP, Mr David Asante-Apeatu to proceed on leave, with immediate effect, pending his retirement on August 14, 2019.

    He is also on the 10-member Ghana Police Service Council and a member of the Police Management Board.

    He has attended several professional courses and training programs, both at home and abroad, including the Strategic Leadership Course at the Police Staff and Command College, Bramshell in the United Kingdom.

    He is married with three children.

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com