Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has launched a horse cavalry for the Ghana Police Service.
The controversial program has been fancifully christened Horse Patrol Operations. It was launched at the National Joint Operations Headquarters, in Accra.
Dr. Dampare’s Horse Patrol Operations is coming at a time that armed robbers are powering around town with sophisticated automobiles including SUVs and toting AK 47 rifles.
It is not clear how the acting IGP expects a horse riding Police officer to respond when he encounters an armed robber.
However, the Police Service explained that horse-back policing is part of the Ghana Police Service’s method of crime detection and prevention.
The cavalry will augment other patrol duties such as; Community Foot Patrol, Motorbike Patrol, Visibility Patrol and recently deployed Motorcycle Traffic Management and Mobility Teams in Tema and Accra, among others according to the claims by the Police.
Director-General Information Communication Technology (ICT), COP. Mr Edward Tabiri, who spoke at the ceremony, assured the officers of support with communication logistics during their duty tours, to enable them to communicate efficiently for assistance.
Speaking on behalf of the Acting Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General, National Patrols Department (NPD), COP Mr Yaagy Akuribah, advised the Police Officers (Troopers) detailed for such duties, to demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of their work for excellent services.
Present at the launch were; the Director-General, Research and Planning, Commissioner of Police (COP) Mr. Paul Awini Manly, the Director-General National Protection Directorate, COP Mr. Patrick Atampugre Akolgo; the Director-General Special Duties, COP Mr. Vincent Redeemer Dedjoe; and the Director-General Operations, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr. Mohammed Fuseini Suraji, and other senior officers.