Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is optimistic that the country will hold successful elections in 2024, with the police at the center of the election security task force.
He noted that since 1992, the country had conducted peaceful elections, stating, “We will still maintain a peaceful election in this year’s as well since the nation has become good at it.”
“With the police at the center of our election security task force, we are confident of a successful 2024 general election,” he said during the 53rd Cadet Officers’ graduation ceremony at the Police Academy in Accra on Wednesday.
Commissioning 430 officers, including 125 females and 305 males, as Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP), Dr. Bawumia, who is the Chairman of the Police Council, urged the officers to embody professionalism, proactivity, lawfulness, accountability, firmness, fairness, and fearlessness in their duties, especially with the elections approaching.
He remarked that the days when the police were the subject of jokes due to unprofessional conduct are behind them.
Dr. Bawumia noted that recently, the Ghana Police Service had faced significant provocation from demonstrators but had maintained its discipline and professionalism throughout.
He stated that if the officers uphold high professional standards in their duties, they would set the right tone for the nation to achieve peaceful and incident-free general elections.
However, the Vice President urged Ghanaians and political actors to support the police in their efforts to maintain law and order before, during, and after the elections.
“It is the duty of all of us to ensure that we have credible, peaceful, free, and fair elections on December 7,” he added.
Special awards were given to several officers for their commitment, discipline, and support throughout the six-month training programme at the Academy.
ASP Mr. Issah Achirburi was honoured as the overall best cadet officer.
Nine other officers received special recognition
ASP Panporror Kunsoryiriey was named the best in basic fitness, ASP Lenord Asare earned the title of best marksman, and ASP Dorcas Brenyah received the commandant’s special award.
ASP Prince Kaar Dammer was recognized as the best in drill, while ASP Mabel Tachieh Wadieh excelled in field mission planning and analysis.
ASP Haruna Dauda was honored as the best in criminal investigation, and ASP Anamfo Bright Justice was acknowledged for demonstrating exemplary leadership.
The smartly dressed police officers showcased impressive drills at the parade, which attracted a gathering of senior police officials, including Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Inspector General of Police, as well as retired officers, family, friends, and traditional leaders.
Also in attendance were Mrs. Theodora Woode, a former Chief Justice, Mr. Henry Quartey, Minister for the Interior, and Mr. Titus Glover, Greater Accra Regional Minister.
GNA