By Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Anyrawase (V/R), Sept. 13, GNA – The Ho West District Youth Employment Agency (YEA), in collaboration with the Police and Fire Commands, has organized an orientation for newly recruited Community Protection Assistants (CPAs) and Fire Assistants posted to the district.
The ceremony, held at the District Police Headquarters in Anyrawase, was designed to equip recruits with professional skills, familiarize them with service culture, and integrate them into their respective roles.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr Rockson Gyasi, Ho West District Police Commander, urged the CPAs to uphold discipline and professionalism. “If you are here with the motive of extortion, delete it from your mind. If it comes into my domain, I will arrest, detain, and even prosecute you,” he warned.
He reminded them that CPAs were auxiliary staff, not substantive police officers. “You are not supposed to conduct searches or write in the station diary. While helping us, stick strictly to your mandate,” he added.
DSP Gyasi advised them to remain visible in their stations, report community activities, and preserve crime scenes until their supervisors arrive.
Mr. Sefiamor Sefia Klu, YEA District Director, stressed punctuality, humility, and integrity. “You owe allegiance to the police and fire services, not YEA. Operate under their instructions,” he said.
He warned recruits against misconduct and absenteeism, noting that their monthly pay depended on validation from their supervisors. “Over 500 people applied for this, but you are the chosen ones. Do not dent the image of the district,” he cautioned.
Mr. Klu emphasized discipline and respect for authority, adding that acts such as alerting criminals of impending arrests would not be tolerated. “Anyone caught aiding criminals will be arrested,” he said.
On accommodation, Mr. Klu revealed that YEA had reached an agreement with the District Fire Officer to house Fire Assistants in available staff facilities due to the distance between their communities and duty posts.
ADO I Denis Tay, Ho West District Fire Officer, encouraged Fire Assistants to learn on the job, maintain physical fitness, and deliver professional service.
He highlighted teamwork, integrity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills as essential to their roles and urged them to exhibit composure under pressure and commitment to serving their communities.
Mr. Klu reinforced that punctuality was non-negotiable, reminding recruits that failure to meet timelines could affect their validation and subsequent payment.
He added that the CPAs and Fire Assistants must view their positions as opportunities to contribute to community safety and national development.
The YEA Director underscored that the orientation was not only to sharpen skills, but also to instill discipline and responsibility in the recruits and reminded them to support, not replace, the police and fire services.
According to him, professionalism would earn them respect from their communities and superiors and encouraged them to build trust with the public by being visible, approachable, and reliable in their duties, as reporting incidents promptly and accurately was a critical part of their responsibilities.
Both the Police and Fire Commands assured the recruits of guidance and supervision to ensure effective service delivery.
In all, 42 CPAs and 10 Fire Assistants were handed over to the District Police and Fire Commands, respectively, for deployment.
The orientation marks a major step in strengthening community policing and fire safety efforts in the Ho West District.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba