The Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly inaugurated its Community Neighborhood watch on the Thursday 8th December, 2022 at the forecourt of the Assembly.
In his opening remarks, the chairperson for the program; Nii Tetteh Oglie II, chief of Saki, noted how elated he was to be called upon to chair the program. He explained that the community neighborhood watch seeks to enhance security activities in the Municipality. He called upon all and sundry to assist the members of the community neighborhood watch to achieve their objectives.
ACP Foli Washington, in his welcome speech, expressed gratitude to all who played various roles in bringing the idea of forming a community neighborhood watch into reality. He also thanked the volunteers for availing themselves to help enhance the security situation in their communities. He admitted that, the state of security in the Municipality was not the best, hence the need to assist the community neighborhood watch and the police in discharging their duties. He reiterated the need to demonstrate patriotism by always saying something when we see something (SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING SLOGAN).
Chief Superintendent Seth Tay: District Police Commander of Kpone-Katamanso in a brief speech, recognized the strategic decision by the (IGP) to come up with such novel idea to form the community neighborhood watch to enhance security in our communities and the country at large. He stated that 62 personnel volunteered to go through training but only 25 personnel completed the training and passed. He revealed that a nine member steering committee was formed to select volunteers for the community neighborhood watch. Commander Tay was extremely grateful to Chief Inspector Hillar Agbenyegah for training members of the community neighborhood watch.
Hon. Amanquah and other dignitaries at the inauguration ceremony.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE); Hon Samuel Okoe Amanquah in an address, commended the police service for such a novel initiative that seeks to improve the state of security in the Municipality. He charged the volunteers to work with dignity, honesty, and integrity. He advised them to have respect for human rights as they discharge their duties. He urged them to act professionally at all times, work within their mandate and also work cordially with the police at all times. Hon Amanquah stated that, people feel more comfortable to report cases to the community neighborhood watch volunteers than the police since they perceive them as one of their own and also due to the inability to reach the police due to logistical challenges. He advised the volunteers not to use their current position for political activities or political gains. He reiterated that, though their work is voluntary in scope and nature, provisions has been made to motivate them to work effectively and efficiently. He disclosed that logistics such as touch lights, bicycles and safety wears will soon be provided.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Tema Regional Commander; COP Daniel Afriyie, he stated that criminals take advantage of the absence of police to operate, hence the need to form community neighborhood watch to ensure there’s some level of security visibility. He admitted that, the police is faced with man-power and logistics challenges. He encouraged members of the community to familiarize themselves with their neighbors to help identify strange people in the community. He commended the steering committee for gender representation in the team and encouraged the volunteers to work as a team. He entreated the volunteers to diligently discharge their duties.
The volunteers took the oath of office administered by ACP Mr Francis Nchor, the Dodowa Divisional Commander representing the Regional Commander.
The volunteers, MCE and other Dignitaries in a group picture.