Dead police heroes honoured at Memorial Ceremony

The 2019 Ceremonial Day honoured eight officers of the police service who died on the job in 2019. Five of the deceased had their names engraved on the Wall of Honour, with the names of the remaining three going on the Roll of Honour.

Activities commemorating the ceremony included wreath laying, Reveille and Flag Raising, a minute silence and an exhortation as well as a call to remembrance of the fallen officers. A perpetual flame was also lighted by the President of the republic, Nana Akufo-Addo who graced the event.

The President laid a wreath on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana whilst the Inspector General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh laid one on behalf of the police administration. A widow on behalf of the bereaved families also laid a wreath and the President of the Ga Traditional Council also laid one on behalf of the Chieftaincy Institution.

ACP Very Rev Fr George Arthur, who delivered the exhortation and call to remembrance quoted former US President, Barack Obama who said “no country can exist without a police institution or some kind.” He however noted that the success of a police institution partly depends on the corporation of the general public.

He called on the general public to treat officers of the police service as friends and not enemies, whose aim is to provide safety and security.

He cautioned that the intentional killing of citizens including a police officer constitutes a direct attack on the peace and stability of a community or society. He entreated citizens to not cover criminals but to do well to expose them, so they can be brought to book.

He assured the bereaved families that the names of their lost relatives will be remembered by contemporary and future generations for their bravery and sacrifice for the nation.

The Police Memorial Day is a day set aside every year, to celebrate serving officers who lost their lives while performing lawful duties. It marks the recognition of contributions and sacrifices of police officers to mother Ghana at the peril of their lives.

The fifth edition of the Memorial Day which was first celebrated in 2014 honoured eight officer including Inspector Foster Ampomah, Inspector Michael Dotse K. Dzeameshie, General Coporal Awal Mohamed, Seargranrt Agatha Nana Nabin and General Corporal George Nkwanna.

The list of honoured officers also included Alhassan Asare, General Lance Corporal John Andoh and General Lance Corporal Bernard Antwi. who all in 2019 lost their lives while performing their duties as police officers.

The ceremony was simultaneously observed across the various regions in the country.