The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to playing a central role in the successful rollout of the government’s 24-hour economy policy, assuring the public of its readiness to provide security and institutional support for the initiative.

Speaking during a sensitisation of police officers on the policy, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Aniah (ESQ), Director of the Ghana Police 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, explained that the Service has been tasked to sensitise officers nationwide on the concept and their responsibilities within its implementation.

Chief Superintendent Aniah emphasized that the Secretariat, established at the Police Headquarters, is responsible for coordinating the Service’s role in ensuring a secure environment for businesses and communities that will operate under the 24-hour economy framework. He noted that the Inspector General of Police, recognizing the Service’s pivotal role, instituted a team of seasoned officers to develop a concept paper to guide operations and subsequently created the Secretariat to oversee implementation.

Highlighting opportunities for the Upper West Region, he observed that vast tracts of land for shea butter production, as well as crops like maize, cassava, and yam, position the area to benefit significantly from the policy. He assured that the Police Service would be ready to provide the necessary security to support ecological parks, industrial hubs, and other enterprises that emerge from the program.

The Upper West Regional Police Commander DCOP Nii Darko Offei Lomotey, has assured residents and businesses of its preparedness to provide adequate security ahead of the rollout of the government’s 24-hour economy policy.

He emphasized that the police will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and smooth implementation of the program. He noted that a team from the Police Headquarters was in the region to sensitize officers on the concept of the policy and the specific role of the Service in its execution.

“Our job basically will be to secure the program for it to succeed. We have drawn personnel from across the region who will serve as focal points to share the knowledge gained here with their colleagues. Together, we will design our patrols and security infrastructure to safeguard everyone involved in the program,” DCOP Lomotey said.

While acknowledging concerns about reduced personnel strength in the region, the Commander dismissed fears that the numbers could derail the Service’s work. He stressed that effective policing relies on planning and strategy rather than sheer numbers.

The 24-Hour Economy Secretariat has so far visited 20 out of the 25 police regions, engaging commanders and officers to prepare them for their role in the policy rollout. The team will continue to the Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East Regions before returning to Accra.

Reporting by Alhassan Tajudeen in the Upper West Region.