Ghana records decline in armed robbery, drug trafficking – Minister

Mr James Agalga, Deputy Minister of the Interior, on Wednesday said despite the fact that the Ministry met challenges this year,  some significant gains have been made towards improving the security situation in the country.

He said there had been decline in cases of armed robberies, drug trafficking and abuse, chieftaincy, inter-ethnic and land conflicts, though these gains were still at unacceptable levels.

Mr Agalga said this at the opening of a two-day mid-year performance review workshop for members of the various agencies under the sector, under the theme: “Improving Management Practices in the Sector is Worthy of Note.”

He said the Ministry had faced these challenges this year, due to inadequate resources and the late release of subvention to departments and agencies under the sector, which led to difficulties in the implementation of the Ministry’s mandate in its service to the nation.

He commended staff of the sector who assisted in the rescue and extrication process during this year’s unprecedented rains which resulted in a major flood and serious fire disaster, leading to the loss of about 160 lives.

Mr Agalga disclosed that the government was sourcing external loans and grants to procure logistics to improve the output of the sector.

He called for measures that would facilitate improvement in all the facets of the operational activities.

He appealed to the agencies to make use of technology, in the form of emails, to transact internal assignments, the drafting of letters and reports in electronic form for quick action, to help enhance speed, efficiency and the prudent use of available limited resources.

He urged managers to consider going electronic with most of their activities and operations,  to reduce person-to-person contacts,  to reduce speed, transparency and cost.

Mr Agalga said the Ministry’s approach to public safety should not be an end in itself, but should be a means to make Ghana a more attractive destination for foreign direct investment, peace and stability in the West African sub-region, and the African continent

Mrs Adelaide Anno Kumi, Chief Director, said the Ministry installed a clock-in system to monitor the movement of staff during office hours.

She indicated that some staff benefited from training programmes both internally and internationally.

Source: GNA