Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has fulfilled a key government commitment by handing over 40 advanced armoured vehicles to Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Ghana Police Service.
According to Ghana News Agency, the consignment includes 15 armoured pickups, five Cobra-Four, and 20 Cobra-Three special armoured vehicles. During the handover ceremony, President Mahama emphasized that this delivery represents the first batch of a broader initiative to retool the country's security services. He outlined plans to further support police operations with the addition of two tow trucks this month and pledged to provide 10 covert operational vehicles, along with normal pickups for police districts to carry out patrol duties.
President Mahama highlighted the crucial role of the Ghana Police Service as the frontline protectors of public safety and emphasized the necessity of equipping them with modern tools to effectively fulfill their responsibilities. He acknowledged past instances where officers faced inadequate resources and reiterated his administration's commitment to retooling and modernizing state security agencies.
The President underscored that peace is a result of sustained investment and vigilance, and linked the provision of these vehicles to the broader goal of supporting the country's 24-hour economy and ensuring a secure environment for trade, investment, and innovation. He stressed that these vehicles are operational tools intended to enhance police response in high-risk environments, improve officer protection, and strengthen patrol capabilities.
President Mahama conveyed a strong message to those threatening public safety, affirming the state's readiness to combat criminal activities. He declared that the Ghana Police Service is prepared to address challenges such as armed robbery, organized crime, and illegal arms trafficking, and assured that the nation's laws would decisively address threats to public safety.
Mr. Yohuno, expressing gratitude on behalf of the police service, acknowledged the increased risks faced by officers and highlighted the importance of the new vehicles in enabling the police to confront criminal elements while safeguarding officers' safety.
President Mahama concluded by appealing to the drivers of the new vehicles to maintain them with care, emphasizing their value and importance to the police force.