Interference in police work stirs them cold - chief

Tamale, Oct. 20, ,GNA - The over-bearing influence of politicians and traditional rulers on policemen and women in the Northern Region has rendered the Police less effective in the nation’s biggest region, Naa (Chief) Alhassan Issahaku Amadu, Zangbalun Bomahe has said.      He said the situation had emboldened miscreants in the region to foment trouble with impunity.      Chief Amadu, who is also the Northern Regional Director of the National Population Council, was presenting a paper on: "The Role of Traditional Rulers in Promoting Peaceful Elections", at a town hall meeting organised by the Satellite Peace Centre of the Catholic Archdiocese of Tamale, in Tamale on Saturday.      The meeting aimed at discussing ways of ensuring peace at the project areas including Tamale, Yendi, Bawku and Wa during this year's electioneering season.      It formed part of the United Nations Human Security Programme to bring relief to vulnerable people, and was sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme, with personnel from the GPS, traditional rulers, youth groups of political parties, and community members in attendance.      The Police Service in the region has been complaining of constant interference in its duties by highly placed authorities who always call on them to release people arrested on suspicion of violating the country's laws thereby demoralising the Police in their efforts to secure the region.      Chief Amadu said such a practice was inimical to efforts at promoting peace in the region and called on the Police to be assertive and deal ruthlessly with miscreants to deter others.      He also called on traditional rulers and other authorities who were fond of such a practice to stop it and respect the independence of the Police institution.      He said "as traditional rulers, we need to conduct ourselves well in public to command the respect of our subjects" and condemned chiefs who attended political party rallies to endorse candidates.      Chief Amadu also called on political parties to stop creating avenues that enabled youth groups to engage in violence.      Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Caesar Abanga, Tamale District Police Commander, who spoke on: "The Role of the Security Agencies for National Peace", assured the people that the Police Service was firmly in control of the security situation in the region adding, there was no need for fear or panic before, during and after the elections.      He called on all to be abreast of the provisions of the Public Order Act and obey them to avoid unnecessary confrontations with the Police.      Reverend Father Thaddeus Kuusah, Coordinator and Project Manager of the Satellite Peace Centre of the Catholic Archdiocese of Tamale, expressed hope that the meeting would help remove the barriers that existed amongst traditional rulers, security agencies and political parties to enhance trust and confidence in the performance of their respective duties.   GNA... Read Full Story