I salute all men and women in uniform and wish to reiterate the need for periodic reflection on the choice you made to put your life on the line for the peace, safety, and security of all citizens.
The uniform funded or supposed to be funded by the State is symbolic to establish identity, create cohesion and equality amongst officers, and portrays trust, honesty, and authority.
It is, therefore, a pride to wear the uniform.
Officers in uniform are accountable to the law and the people. The sight of a man or woman in uniform is expected to reduce the fear of crime and bolster one’s confidence to go about his or her normal duties without fear.
The people’s expectation of professionalism from men and women in uniform is at all times very high. Unfortunately, uniforms do not create professional officers, but training does. It is training that makes the officer.
Sadly, we’ve encountered men and women in our 30 years of the 4th Republic, who shot and killed or maimed and have not been held accountable.
Such actions put the image of the uniform at peril. In fact, unprofessional acts that go unpunished have the propensity to embolden civilians disrespecting officers in uniform as command and control is questioned.
Unaccountability is a catalyst for impunity.
The question is, why should a civilian respect a person in uniform whose behaviour is anti-uniform?
Let’s never gloss over the fact that the supremacy of the constitution is unquestionable and that crime once committed has no expiring date.
Tomorrow looks better for together we can build the Ghana we want.
Keep taking lawful orders. Keep respecting rules and regulations and, above all, let your oath to serve remain a mantra. Keep your minds open to new ideas in your refresher courses.
May God be your guide as you toil day and night amidst the risk to keep all of us safe and secure.
Still endeavour to look sharp and remember that without security we can’t have Development.
Hon. Peter Toobu Lanchene is the Member of Parliament for Wa West and a former Police Officer