Features
Are the police shirking the pragmatic responsibilities instituted by the IGP?
Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
When the current Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare was appointed and confirmed by the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on August 1, 2021, many were those who heaved a sigh of relief and were full of praise and joy because they were of a firm conviction that the old order that had contributed to the low morale and sunken image of the Ghana Police Service (GPS), would be a thing of the past.
THE SUNKEN IMAGE OF THE POLICE IN THE PAST
Before then, the service had virtually been associated with all kinds of malpractices and fraudulent activities as well as certain illegalities among a section of officers that gave the entire police service a bad name. Bribery and corruption among some recalcitrant police officers were common, with entire discipline at the lowest ebb. However, with the introduction of this young hardworking and ‘no nonsense’ police officer at the helm of affairs, the image of the service appears to be changing gradually.
The 52-year-old police officer who is a chartered accountant with a very rich experience in policing and educational background, was the youngest IGP to be appointed under the Fourth Republic and the eight youngest since Ghana gained independence in 1957. During his over 30 years as a police officer, Dr. Dampare, has made significant contributions to policing in Ghana and beyond. He has indeed, used his vast experience to change the face of the entire police service in the country and introduced far-reaching and pragmatic policies to enhance the image and to instill discipline within the Ghana Police Service.
MAINTAINING DISCIPLINE AMONG POLICE OFFICERS BY IGP
No wonder, shortly after he had assumed office, a number of police officers who were found to have been involved in various forms of illegalities were interdicted and put under investigations. He put in place pragmatic steps to curb misconduct behaviour and warned that he would not hesitate to punish miscreant officers whose actions oppress the public to lose confidence in the Ghana Police Service. Hear him in a speech when he addressed a durbar of police officers and civilians in the past; “We want to give you assurance that in our quest to become a world class police institution, we have no reason not to put up our game and make sure that we leave all the things that are unprofessional, unethical and inhuman that set us against the public behind so that at the end of the day, we would be out there to be appreciated with the public having confidence in us.”
I do not intend to bore my readers and patrons with the achievements of the IGP during his less than one year in office for lack of space and also not to deviate from the topic I have chosen to write on. My focus is on how some misguided police officers are misconducting themselves, thus lowering the hard earned reputation the Police Service had carved for itself.
DEALING WITH THE MISCREANTS WITHIN THE POLICE SERVICE
Indeed, in most organisations and institutions, there are few bad nuts and miscreants who do not want to conform to order or the status quo of the places in which they served. Their main intention is to engage in negative activities to soil the image and reputation of their institutions and give them bad names. Such is the case of the Ghana Police Service currently, in which some officers are doing things contrarily to what pertains in their establishment.
Recently, there was a negative development in which the police have been accused of arbitrary using brute force against defenseless students of the Kumasi Islamic Senior High School (SHS). The news of that incident which went public on social media and other traditional media outlets, indicated that about 25 students of the SHS were hospitalised after the police allegedly opened tear gas on them while they were protesting against frequent road crashes of pedestrians in front of the school. The victims were said to be part of a group of students who blocked the Abrepo Junction-Barekese road during the protest.
THE NASTY INCIDENT AT KUMASI ISLAMIC SHS
The angry students had massed up on the road in protest, as they called for the construction of speed ramps on that stretch of the road. So far, we are being told that the affected students had been discharged and calm has been restored on the school campus, making way for academic activities to proceed.
The IGP in his usual reactive manner, has interdicted some officers for their roles in the disturbance. The officers were said to be part of the team said to have video-taped the clash. They consist of a Chief Inspector and two corporals. He warned that any personnel found culpable would be dealt with, according to law. He said the Police Administration would ensure that professionalism was upheld by the service.
INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE VIOLENCE
“Whatever happened in terms of policing aspect of it, we are going to look into it and take all actions that needs to be taken to ensure that at the end of the day, the right thing is done. We will ensure professionalism is deepened in a way that will not put the life of anybody at risk because as police, we are here to protect life and property and if we cannot do that, then we might fail in our mandate, and it is something that we don’t want to do.” Already, the police have admitted that a better approach to tackling the riot at the school could have been employed.
We are informed that the acting Ashanti Regional Police Commander and two other senior officers have been interdicted to pave the way for a smooth investigation into the clash. Parliament has taken a serious view of the matter and the Speaker has directed the Select Committee on Defense and Interior to probe into the matter.
Another nasty incident was recorded in Accra recently, in which the police were reported to have clashed with some youth group calling itself “Arise Ghana” who were demonstrating against the hike in fuel prices and the harsh economic condition by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumiah-led administration. A number of casualties including some police officers were recorded in that demonstration.
LACK OF KNOWLEDGE IN CROWD CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT
The circumstances surrounding those incidents amply demonstrated that either the police are not in tune with crowd management or they intentionally ignored or flouted the processes in handling these demonstrations, particularly that of the students’ demonstration. Their role in crowd management is to prevent crime and gather intelligence by patrolling the area and ensuring the safety of both participants and non-participants. Controlling an unruly crowd demands preparations, flexibility and resoluteness.
Security experts have made it clear that whether it is for a festival, concert, sporting competition or a conference, crowd management is critical factor that keeps your event safe. According to them a large number of people gathering at the same one place, creates high risk that can end up with serious consequences if it is not controlled properly.
I do not intend to tell the IGP what he should do because I am not a security expert but from my little observation, some of his men may need some form of training in crowd control and management to prepare them adequately to handle such situations. We are in an era where demonstration has become a norm and that has been enshrined in our statute books and, therefore, no one including the police administration can deny such lawful arrangements, provided they are peaceful in nature. However, some peaceful demonstrations at times can turn violent and the police must be ready to handle such situations in a more civil and peaceful manner. Demonstrations are indeed, lawful but they should be conducted within the confines of the laws of this country and this, Ghanaians must know and strictly abide by the laws.
IGP AND THE TASK AHEAD OF HIM
Knowing the pedigree of the IGP and his vast knowledge and experience in crime related issues including how some of these violent demonstrations are handled, I am of the conviction that he will rise up to the task of ensuring that the right processes are adopted and followed to protect lives and property as well as maintaining peace and security which are prerequisites in our dear country. We must also build enough confidence in our security apparatus, especially the police service and keep them entirely off politics as much as possible to enable them to stand the test of time. Having said this, it is my firm belief that the alleged culprits of the Kumasi Islamic SHS incident will be thoroughly interrogated and those found culpable are brought to book.
BY CHARLES NEEQUAYE
Contact email/WhatsApp of author:
0277753946/0248933366
Features
Preventing the brain’s melting point with BOS
The human brain is a complex and delicate organ, susceptible to damage from various factors, including extreme temperatures.
The brain’s melting point, also known as the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, is a critical concern for individuals seeking to maintain optimal cognitive function.
Fortunately, the Brain Operating System (BOS) offers a revolutionary solution to prevent the brain’s melting point.
Understanding the brain’s melting point
The brain’s melting point refers to the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, leading to irreversible damage.
This temperature threshold varies depending on individual factors, such as age, health, and environmental conditions. However, research suggests that the brain’s melting point is approximately 104°F (40°C) to 107°F (42°C).
The role of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
BOS, a cutting-edge technology, plays a crucial role in preventing the brain’s melting point. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, ensuring that it remains within a safe range.
How BOS prevents the brain’s melting point
BOS prevents the brain’s melting point through several mechanisms:
1. Temperature regulation: BOS continuously monitors brain temperature, adjusting neural activity to maintain a stable temperature.
2. Heat dissipation: BOS enhances heat dissipation through increased blood flow and sweating.
3. Neuro protection: BOS protects neurons from heat-induced damage.
Benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
The benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point are numerous:
1. Prevents brain damage: BOS prevents brain damage caused by excessive heat.
2. Maintains cognitive function: BOS ensures optimal cognitive function by maintaining stable brain temperature.
3. Enhances brain resilience: BOS enhances brain resilience to temperature fluctuations.
Real-World applications of BOS
BOS has various real-world applications:
1. High-performance computing: BOS enables high-performance computing by maintaining optimal brain temperature.
2. Medical applications: BOS has medical applications, such as treating heat-related illnesses.
3. Space exploration: BOS is crucial for space exploration, where extreme temperatures pose a significant risk.
Conclusion
BOS is a revolutionary technology that prevents the brain’s melting point, ensuring optimal cognitive function and overall well-being. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, protecting against heat-related damage.
Glossary:
1. BOS: Brain Operating System.
2. Brain’s melting point: Temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade.
3. Neural interface: Connects human brain with digital devices.
Contact Information
virginvtech@yahoo.com
Additional resources:
1. BOS research: Explore scientific studies.
2. Neural interface resources: Discover books and articles.
3. Brain-computer interface communities: Join online forums.
Future directions
As BOS technology continues to evolve, we can expect:
1. Improved temperature regulation: Enhanced temperature regulation mechanisms.
2. Increased cognitive enhancement: Advanced cognitive enhancement capabilities.
3. Expanded applications: New applications in various fields.
By harnessing the power of BOS, individuals can safeguard their brain health and maintain optimal cognitive function, even in extreme environments.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
Lotto wahala and Tuobodom palaver
In Sikaman lotto is not a game. It is a profession, a noble career which people aspire to. It is the highest paying profession after armed robbery and the most widespread job on this side of the Atlantic.
In places like China, lotto is a disease that has no cure. Once you are infected, no doctor on earth can cure you. May be Kofi Larteh, Ghana’s most celebrated magician, can help ease the symptoms, but no definitive cure will be forthcoming.
Coming back to Sikaman, lotto has been the financial messiah of many. That is how people look after their large families, pay school fees, marry two wives and do their own ‘monkey things.’
If you are very poor and you win a lottery, chances are that you will die before you even collect the money. You’ll die out of excitement or you’ll start day-dreaming in the streets and an articulated truck will hit you.
As such, very heavy wins are not recommended for poor people, lest they get listed too soon in the obituary columns.
The sad story is told of a heavy-duty caterpillar driver who had a very heavy lotto windfall of several millions, his first big win after several years.
CATERPILLAR
He was driving the caterpillar home when he saw his son running towards him, shouting. “All your numbers have dropped! All your numbers have dropped! He could not believe his ears.
All the four numbers he had staked had dropped and his son, who had gone to stake them for him, was himself over-excited. The poor caterpillar man just could not handle the good news. He suddenly stepped on the brakes and the caterpillar jolted him a trifle too violently, throwing him off. He landed right in front of the still moving heavy-duty machine and it crushed him flat.
I don’t think the bloke would have died if he had won a smaller amount. Sometimes too much cash is not good for the health.
Seldom, people get too confident and that can also result in a wake-keeping, like that of a man who used his lifetime savings and borrowed extra money to crack the machine with a two-sure that the compiler must compulsory drop or the world will end.
Even the shadows of the numbers or their counterparts were nowhere near the winning numbers. His shock-absorbers crumbled under the weight of the heavy disappointment. He crashed to the floor and started foaming at the mouth. He was declared dead on arrival at the nearest clinic.
WINDFALL
Recently, there was a countrywide lotto windfall, and in Kumasi it was more than a festival. Most stakers had between ¢30m and ¢40 million on two-sure that the lotto magicians had predicted at least three weeks earlier,
Kejetia chop bars were besieged with overnight millionaires, carrying huge appetites induced by Opeimu Bitters popularly called Opeimu Peters. All the meat and mudfish got sold out within an hour and procurement agents had to double up to restock.
While some were celebrating, others were weeping and gnashing teeth. The problem was that, three weeks beforehand, the two sure numbers were declared by all the lotto sorcerers, dreamers, magicians, tellers and all the self-appointed and self-promoted forecasters.
Everybody including 10-year-olds, who staked and lost. The following week, they were advised to continue staking. The faithful did continue but the faithless stopped. All of them lost. In the third week or so, a good number of confident stakers had lost faith in the two numbers. That was when the number landed.
So the windfall was for only those who had the unshakeable faith in the numbers. See what faith can do? It can move dollars. Don’t waver, so saith the holy scriptures.
The faithless indeed gnashed teeth. The winners on the other hand celebrated with a song that is as controversial as the business of lotto. It is a song played by the group called Nkasei and has something to do with a town in the Brong Ahafo Region called Tuobodom whose capital we hear is Jinijini.
I hear it is a derogatory song and the queen mother of Tuobodom got charged and breathed out electric current during her protest on air. She allegedly ended up demanding a mobile phone from Nkasei so that she could communicate with them to settle the matter peacefully, lest wahala.
Well, the song is rising up the charts and Nkasei are making the dough, but should it be at the expense of a whole townsfolk, their forebears and generations to come?
WATERPROOF
Waterproof, the famous comedian, was allegedly given hefty slaps at the Kumasi rail station by some Frafra jingoists who felt he was deriding their tribe. And Bob Okala had to run with his tail between his legs when he was confronted and realised that slaps were going to be visited on his lean face.
Let’s not use words and lyrics to cause discomfort to others.
This article was first published on Saturday July 9, 2005
