An Assembly Member in the Akatsi South Municipality has appealed to the leadership of the Ghana Police Service to recognise and promote officers serving in the Akatsi South Municipal Police Command for their contribution to crime fighting and public safety.
Japhet Festus Gbede, Assembly Member for the Wuxor, Have and Sremanu Electoral Area, said many officers in the municipality had demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courage and dedication over the years but had not received the recognition they deserved.
In an appeal addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Gbede said officers in the command had played a vital role in maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of residents across the municipality.
He pointed to several major criminal investigations involving officers of the command, including Inspector Japhet Prempeh and his colleagues, which led to the arrest of suspected murderers and other dangerous criminals. Some of the investigations, he said, involved the exhumation of bodies to support efforts to secure justice.
Mr Gbede also highlighted successful operations against robbery gangs and criminal networks linked to motorbike thefts, shop break ins and violent robberies that once threatened communities in the area.
“At a time when residents lived in fear, these officers stood firm and restored public confidence in law enforcement,” he said.
He further praised recent efforts by the command in tackling drug related offences, citing the seizure of large quantities of suspected illegal substances and the arrest of people believed to be involved in the trade.
Despite these achievements, Mr Gbede expressed concern that many of the officers involved had not received public commendations, awards or promotions comparable to those granted to officers in other parts of the country for similar work.
He questioned whether officers serving in the Volta Region were receiving equal consideration when it came to recognition and career advancement within the Ghana Police 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 said.
Mr Gbede called on the Inspector General of Police, the Police Management Board and the Volta Regional Police Command to review the records and contributions of officers serving in the Akatsi South Municipal Police Command and ensure deserving personnel are rewarded and promoted.
According to him, recognising outstanding officers would not only honour their sacrifices but also motivate police personnel across the country to continue serving with dedication, professionalism and integrity.
His appeal has attracted support from residents and community stakeholders, many of whom have echoed calls for greater recognition of officers who have contributed significantly to peace and security in the municipality.
