In a significant step towards strengthening community policing and public safety, the Ghana Police Service has officially launched the training of Community Police Assistants across various Police Training Schools in the country. This groundbreaking initiative is set to transform the relationship between law enforcement and communities, fostering trust, collaboration, and proactive crime prevention.
The training program follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in May 2023 between the Ghana Police Service and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA). Under the terms of this partnership, 12,000 young men and women will be trained to support law enforcement efforts nationwide. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for youth while addressing critical public safety needs.
Equipping Youth for Community Policing
Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the National Police Training School in Tesano, the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Honorable Ebener Okletey Terlabi, highlighted the overarching goals of the program. He explained that the training is designed to equip participants with essential skills, knowledge, and values required to assist the Ghana Police Service in promoting peace, preventing crime, and fostering trust within communities.
“This initiative is not solely about training individuals to enforce the law; it is about building bridges between law enforcement and communities through partnership and dialogue,” Hon. Terlabi remarked. He further emphasized that trainees will be imbued with core values such as integrity, discipline, and service, which will serve as guiding principles throughout their lives.
Bridging Communities and Law Enforcement
The Director General of Human Resources of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Frederick Blagodzi, also underscored the importance of the program. He noted that community policing is a vital strategy for enhancing public safety and strengthening ties between police officers and the communities they serve. DCOP Blagodzi urged trainees to remain steadfast in their commitment to professionalism, respect, and service.
“This program is a unique opportunity to create a vital link between law enforcement and communities, ensuring that policing is not only effective but also inclusive,” he stated. His remarks reflected the Ghana Police Service’s dedication to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
A Partnership for Progress
The Chief Executive Officer of YEA, Mr. Malik Basintale, expressed his gratitude to the Ghana Police Service for their partnership and unwavering support in ensuring the program’s success. He highlighted the dual benefits of the initiative: empowering young people with meaningful roles in society while contributing to public safety.
“This program is more than just training; it is an opportunity for young men and women to play an active role in safeguarding their communities,” Mr. Basintale noted. He commended both organizations for their shared vision and commitment to building safer communities across Ghana.
Looking Ahead
The training of Community Police Assistants marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s approach to community policing. By equipping youth with essential skills and instilling values of integrity and discipline, this initiative promises to bridge gaps between law enforcement and citizens while fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
As these 12,000 trainees embark on their journey to support the Ghana Police Service, they carry with them not only the tools to prevent crime but also the responsibility to uphold peace and unity within their respective communities. This program exemplifies how innovative partnerships can create lasting change, benefiting both individuals and society as a whole.
The Ghana Police Service and YEA have set a remarkable precedent for leveraging youth potential in addressing national challenges. As this initiative unfolds, it is poised to redefine community policing and strengthen Ghana’s commitment to public safety for generations to come.
-3news
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
