By Kingsley Mamore, GNA
Dambai, March 14, GNA – Residents of the Oti Region have appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno to extend similar recognition and promotions to police officers in the region, who have played significant roles in intercepting large quantities of narcotic drugs and illegal ammunition.
The appeal follows a statement by the IGP earlier in 2026 reaffirming the Police Administration’s commitment to rewarding officers, who demonstrate exceptional performance, particularly in the interception of narcotic substances and illegal weapons.
Following the announcement, police personnel across the country intensified operations at checkpoints and barriers leading to several successful interceptions of Indian hemp and other illicit items.
The operations also resulted in the seizure of smuggled weapons in some parts of the country.
In fulfilment of that pledge, Mr Yohuno has since promoted several officers, who distinguished themselves during such operations at various checkpoints nationwide.
However, residents in the Oti Region believe officers in their area also deserve similar recognition, noting that police personnel in the region have recorded significant seizures of Indian hemp and ammunition.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Nana Foster Atta Owusu III, Chief of Kparekpare, said acknowledging the efforts of such officers would not only reward their dedication but also boost the morale of personnel working tirelessly to combat crime in the region.
He explained that police officers stationed across various districts in the Oti Region had demonstrated exceptional commitment to duty despite operational challenges, including limited logistics and the vast geographical coverage of the area.
Nana Owusu noted that over the past months, officers in the region had successfully intercepted consignments of suspected Indian hemp and other illicit substances at various checkpoints and along major transit routes, preventing the items from reaching their intended destinations.
He stressed that recognising these efforts through promotions would send a strong signal that diligence, professionalism and sacrifice in the line of duty were appreciated by the police administration.
The chief added that such recognition would further inspire other officers within the Ghana Police Service to remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding communities against criminal activities.
Nana Owusu and his people also expressed confidence in the leadership of the IGP, describing him as a man of integrity whose stewardship had brought renewed discipline and professionalism to the police service.
According to them, the recent policy direction encouraging officers to intensify operations at checkpoints had contributed significantly to the growing number of successful interceptions recorded across the country.
Nana Mpra Besemuna III, President of the Kete-Krachi Traditional Council and former President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, urged the Police Administration not to leave out officers in the region in the ongoing recognition and promotion exercise.
He noted that the region, which shares boundaries with other regions and serves as a transit corridor for travellers and goods, requires heightened security vigilance as a responsibility the police had consistently undertaken.
Nana Besemuna emphasised that recognising officers in the region would strengthen collaboration between traditional authorities and the security services in maintaining peace and stability.
Mr Philip Yaw Nkrumah, a resident of the Krachi Nchumuru District, also joined the call and appealed to the Police Management Board (POMAB) and the Attorney-General to support the recognition and promotion of officers in the region.
He said rewarding officers who had demonstrated courage and commitment in combating drug trafficking and the smuggling of illegal arms would further enhance public confidence in the police service.
Other residents who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) therefore urged the Police Administration to consider officers in the Oti Region who had shown outstanding commitment in the fight against drug trafficking and illegal arms smuggling.
They expressed optimism that acknowledging the contributions of officers in the region would reinforce national efforts to curb drug-related crimes and help ensure safer communities across the country.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade