GIZ inaugurates Programme Office at Police Headquarters

Deutsche Gesellschaft fur International Zusarmmenarbeit (GIZ) has inaugurated a programme office at the police headquarters to strengthen their cooperation as part of their ‘Programme to Build and Strengthen the Police Structures in Selected Partner Countries in Africa’ on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.

The Director-General Legal and Prosecutions at the Ghana Police Service, COP Kofi Boakye; representative of the German Embassy, first secretary Ms. Andrea Grimm; and GIZ Ghana country director, Ms. Regina Bauerochse Barbosa, together cut the ribbon and unveilled the signage to signify official opening of the Police Programme Office.

The Ghana Police Service highlighted its high interest in a good and close cooperation by offering the office space to GIZ.

COP Kofi Boakye expressed appreciation for the partnership, saying it will provide an opportunity for both sides to work together to implement jointly planned measures and achieve set goals.

Ms. Andrea Grimm of the German Embassy in her remarks said security and development are mutually interdependent.

“Ultimately, there can be no security without development; but there can also be no development without security,” she said.

She also said Germany supports the strengthening of legitimised and accountable civilian police structures which meet professional standards and enjoy public trust.

Ms. Regina Bauerochse, Country Director of GIZ Ghana, also emphasised the significant progress that is being made although the cooperation started only in 2020.

Among the progress she listed are; the development of videos on the COVID-19 protocol in police stations and on patrol; PPEs procured to help the police force curb spread of the coronavirus; and a training workshop held for police officers at the Police Professional Standard Bureau (PPSB) on human conformable investigation skills.

COP Kofi Boakye represented the Inspector General of Police, James Oppong Boanuh, and thanked the German Cooperation for the refurbishment of their office.

He stated that he was glad the Police Programme team was working in the same premises as his staff, which will bring the cooperation closer and promote regular interactions to achieve set objectives.

Members of the Police Management Board and other senior police officers were present, including dignitaries who toured the office space.