The series, designed by the Public Affairs and Communications Department of the GPS, in partnership with Creative Storm Networks, would be aired on Ghana’s major television networks across the country.

Public confidence

Launching the series at a ceremony in Accra last Wednesday, the Board Chairman of the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Professor Kwame Karikari, stressed the need for the police to be transparent in their communications with the populace to enhance public confidence in them.

He said it was very important to educate the public and to involve them in programmes aimed at combating crimes, but for effectiveness the public must have the freedom and support to discuss problems openly.

Prof. Karikari noted that democracy thrived on the rule of law and its object was to protect citizens’ rights and legitimate interests, promote citizens safety in their communities. He described the police as the principal agency on the frontline in the pursuit of social objectives and responsibilities.

The more effective way of fighting crime, he said, was to strengthen the police by providing the necessary and useful facilities to improve their capacity and ensure that they were provided with conditions or services that were decent and worth risking one’s life for.

Public collaboration

Prof. Karikari emphasised the need for strong collaboration between the public and the police as without the public constantly providing information to the police, fighting crime could be challenging.

“The need for a constant communication between the police and the public is, therefore, vital if citizens are to play their civic duties of supporting and collaborating with the police to work for the citizens’ own safety and peace of mind,” he said.

Role of media

For his part, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr David Asante-Apeatu, said the police-population ratio of about 1:800 was indicative that the police could not be everywhere at all times.

He added that the police administration could leverage the power of the positive influence of the media to turn the tide in their efforts to promote safe neighbourhoods.