POLICE SCHOOLS CHURCH ON SECURITY THREATS

Story: Sarah Naa Merley Mensah & Emmanuel Ashong, Dansoman

The Ghana Police Service has organised a day's orientation for members of the Bread of Life Methodist Church, Dansoman on personal and facility security.

The orientation which took place at the Church’s premises during their regular Sunday Divine Service on July 10, 2022 formed part of public awareness activities designed by the Dansoman District Police Command to reach out to churches and other institutions within its jurisdiction.

Speaking on the topic, “Crime, Safety and Security”, the Dansoman District Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mr John Akrofi Ansah, who led a 3-member team from the Police Service, observed that “majority of Ghanaians are not security conscious”, noting “In most cases, crimes occur before individuals report”.

He mentioned some of the common crimes committed as forced entry into buildings, use of ‘master keys’, use of power tools, breaking walls, adding “some crimes committed are as result of our own negligence”.

“Every individual must be security conscious and take all necessary steps to be secured at all times”. “In the face of recent attacks on individuals at homes, streets, roads, workplace etc, security concerns have become more prominent in our daily lives”, DSP Akrofi Ansah advised.   

He enumerated some mitigating measures to deal with crime including getting a dog at home, reinforced walls, good lighting, installation of CCTV cameras, acquisition of licensed firearms and avoiding dark and isolated places. Others included avoiding display of wealth publicly, avoiding walking alone, avoiding talking to the hearing of strangers when discussing business or money and engaging private security.

"Security is expensive but the application of multiple security measures is always the best”, the Dansoman Police Chief disclosed.

He however advised citizens not to enforce punishment on alleged criminals, explaining “not even the Police have the power to do that”. "The Police Service is for processing and investigations, after which the court gives its verdict", he added.

In an open forum, congregants took turns to quiz the Police on various security issues and made suggestions on how some of them could be addressed to ensure a safe environment for all.  

DSP Akrofi Ansah commended the Superintendent Minister of the Dansoman South Circuit, the Very Rev Joshua Aboagye Orgen for the opportunity to speak to congregants noting, “He is the first Minister to respond to my request. This shows how serious he is about security”.

A Society Steward at the Bread of Life Society, Bro Dr Godfred Owusu-Okyere thanked the Ghana Police Service for the education and expressed the Church’s readiness for similar engagements in the future.