In recognition of the critical role played by stakeholders and the need for stronger partnerships with them, the newly inaugurated Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has held a meeting with officials of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Ghana Association of Bankers at the National Police Headquarters, to address some security lapses in the sector.
The meeting highlighted new strategies being mapped out by the Police Service to counter cash-in-transit robbery attacks and the challenges that are encountered. All areas of collaboration between the Police and the banks were examined.
Following attacks on some cash-in-transit operations, the Police Administration is reviewing its strategy on the movement of cash across the country, the IGP stated.
IGP to Create Peaceful Working Ambience
The meeting which was chaired by the IGP, was attended by members of the Police Management Board, the Governor of BoG and his Deputies, the President, the CEO, and other executive members of the Ghana Association of Bankers. Also present were the CEOs of most of the major banks in the country.
The IGP affirmed his commitment to ensure that, both the police service and the banking industry operate in a peaceful working environment. Meanwhile, other immediate, medium and long term measures for banks to operate in safe and secured environments were also discussed at the meeting.
“The Police Administration wishes to assure players within the banking sector and members of the public that it is committed to ensuring a safe and secure atmosphere for the banking industry and guarantee the safety of all persons in the country.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare indicated that his administration will provide the necessary protective gears to the Ghana Police Service to help them carry out their duties with maximum protection.
“The Administration would also like to assure all Police officers that their safety is paramount and the Service will go to all lengths to provide them with the needed protection to enable them to serve the society in peace.”
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
It can be recalled that, a similar meeting took place earlier in the year, where Mr James Oppong-Boanuh, the immediate past Inspector-General of Police (IGP), met with Dr Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), and other stakeholders to discuss ways to minimise risks associated with the movement of cash.
The meeting stressed the need for commercial banks to implement the use of standardised equipment for Cash in Transit (CIT) services within a specified timeline. That included services outsourced by the banks to any company that performed CIT duties.
Background of the Engagements
All these engagements between the Police Service and the Bankers Association, has become necessary on the back of a bullion van attack that led to the death of two individuals – one police man and one civilian. On that fateful day of June 14, 2021, armed robbers in a movie-like style, attacked a van carrying cash. The robbers aimed directly and shot the policeman accompanying the van, before taking away the booty, along with the weapon of the latter.
A woman who had witnessed the incident and raised an alarm, was also shot and killed in her shop as she attempted to hide.
The bullion driver sustained injuries and was sent to the Korle Bu hospital for treatment. Two tellers who were in the van escaped unhurt.
READ ALSO: Accra Circuit Court Orders Arrest of a Banker over Stolen Cash
