An Assembly Member for the Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area in the Akatsi South Municipality, Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede, has called on the leadership of the Ghana Police Service to recognize, reward, and promote deserving officers serving within the Akatsi South Municipal Police Command for what he describes as years of exceptional service and sacrifice in the fight against crime.
In a public appeal addressed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Hon. Gbede argued that officers stationed in Akatsi South have consistently demonstrated professionalism, bravery, and commitment to duty, yet many have not received the level of recognition accorded to their counterparts in other parts of the country.
According to him, residents of the municipality can testify to the significant contributions made by officers of the command in maintaining law and order over the years.
He particularly referenced the work of officers including Inspector Japhet Prempeh and his colleagues, who were involved in major criminal investigations that led to the arrest of suspected murderers and other dangerous criminals. Some of these investigations, he noted, required the exhumation of bodies to aid the pursuit of justice.
Hon. Gbede further recalled the command’s successful operations against robbery syndicates and criminal networks responsible for motorbike thefts, shop break-ins, and violent robberies that once posed serious security concerns within the municipality.
“At a time when residents lived in fear, these officers stood firm and restored public confidence in law enforcement,” he stated.
The Assembly Member also commended recent efforts by the command in combating narcotics-related offences, citing the interception and seizure of substantial quantities of suspected illicit substances and the arrest of individuals linked to the illegal trade.
Despite these achievements, he expressed concern that many of the officers involved have not received public commendations, awards, or promotions comparable to those granted to officers elsewhere for similar accomplishments.
He questioned whether officers serving in the Volta Region were receiving equal consideration regarding recognition and career advancement within the service.
“Recognition should not be determined by geography but by performance, sacrifice, and impact. Officers who risk their lives daily to protect citizens deserve to know that their efforts are appreciated and valued,” he emphasized.
Hon. Gbede therefore urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Management Board, and the Volta Regional Police Command to review the records and contributions of officers serving within the Akatsi South Municipal Police Command and ensure that deserving personnel are appropriately rewarded and promoted.
According to him, such recognition would not only honour the sacrifices of the officers but also serve as motivation for police personnel across the country to continue serving with dedication, professionalism, and integrity.
The appeal has since attracted attention among residents and community stakeholders who have echoed calls for greater recognition of officers contributing significantly to peace and security within the municipality.
