The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr David Asante Apeatu, was on Sunday April 23, 2017 inducted into office at a ceremony held at the Ghana Police Church in Accra.
Conducting the rite of induction, ACP Rev. George Arthur, led the IGP to affirm his trust in God in the discharge of his duty and bore the consequences of his actions and omissions.
The reverend minister reminded the IGP that his position is not one to serve his personal interest but one given him to serve humanity to uplift the image and integrity of the service.
In his sermon, he said, the IGP is taking over his role at a time when the issue of vigilantism, galamsey, lawlessness, tribalism, and student riots have taken over the state. He said, ”there are a lot of assignments ahead of you.
The IGP is the highest security authority of Ghana. Every leader should be a shepherd to his or her followers. A shepherd seeks for the welfare, protection, safety and the growth of his sheep.’’
He urged the IGP to treat all men with decency and respect in order to earn their trust and also be transparent and honest in his ways.
The IGP he stressed, will leave an indelible mark if he pay attention to the following; ‘’ the maintenance of peace in our dear nation Ghana; the welfare and discipline of police officers, enlistment of police trainees; streamlining the policies of promotion of officers and men of the service.’’ He added, ‘’the alleged selective promotions of officers on the basis of politics, on the basis of tribal favouritism breeds unnecessary jealousy, enmity, disunity in the police service and other spheres of the economy.
Such ungodly and unethical practice, set the fertile ground for revenge and retaliation when there is change of political power in the community. Favouritism of any kind is a torn in the flesh of democracy and human dignity.
Favouritism always negates and covers the truth…Truth and justice are the two main pillars of peace and development…Make friends and not enemies during your tenure of office …As the IGP, you are accountable first to God. Secondly to this nation of ours and thirdly to officers of Ghana Police Service.
This call for firmness and fairness. You will fail if you aim to please any human being instead of pleasing God, who chose and appointed you,’’ he emphasied.
On his part, Mr. Asante Apeatu pledged to serve Ghanaians with dignity and respect.
He further pledged to discharge his duties and will not disappoint the trust impose in him by the President, Nana Akufo-Addo. In attendance were the Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery, Justice and Attorney General, Gloria Akuffo, Executive Director, National Identification Authority (NHIA), Prof. Ken Attefah and other senior officials of government.
Others were senior police officers, members of the Police Board, traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, retired police officers and the clergy.
