The Madina District Police Command, led by District Commander, Superintendent Sylvanus Azure, has paid a courtesy call on the office of the Madina Member of Parliament, Dr. Francis‑Xavier Sosu, to express appreciation for his recent support to the security services in the municipality.
The visit, which included senior police officers and support staff, was aimed at thanking the MP for donating several high-capacity motorbikes to the police command. The motorbikes are expected to strengthen patrol operations and improve community safety across the district.
Speaking during the meeting, Superintendent Azure acknowledged that the donation has significantly improved the command’s mobility but noted that the district still faces major logistical and personnel challenges.
According to him, one of the most pressing issues confronting the command is the lack of adequate vehicles for patrol duties.
“We currently rely on a saloon car for patrols, which is not strong enough for the kind of terrain and operations we undertake. If we can get a pickup vehicle, it would greatly enhance our patrol operations across the district,” he said.
Superintendent Azure also highlighted a shortage of personnel, explaining that the few officers available are often reassigned to divisional duties, leaving several operational areas underserved.
He added that while Community Police Assistants (CPAs) have been deployed to support the command, their mandate is limited.
“They assist us, but they are not fully sworn police officers. Because of that, they cannot be deployed to guard banks, financial institutions, or participate in certain operations. Their role is supportive, and that presents a challenge for us,” he explained.
The commander further pointed out that jurisdictional overlaps also complicate policing in the area. While some communities fall under the Madina Police Command administratively, they are politically part of the Adenta Constituency.
Communities such as Sraha, New Oblogo, and Old Oblogo, he noted, fall within this overlapping arrangement, creating occasional operational challenges.
District Crime Officer, ASP Gloria Apreko, indicated that despite these challenges, the security situation in Madina remains relatively stable.
She attributed the relative calm to intensified patrols, including both vehicle and motorbike patrol teams introduced after the MP’s donation.
“We are currently experiencing relative peace in the district. We are not recording serious crimes such as armed robbery, which is something we are grateful for. However, petty offences like assaults and theft still occur,” she said.
ASP Apreko urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly to the police, stressing that effective policing requires strong collaboration between the police and the community.
At the MP’s office, Chief of Staff Ivan Dzakpasu described the visit as a gesture of appreciation from the police following the MP’s interventions to support security services in the municipality.
He explained that during a parliamentary recess last year, the MP donated motorbikes, streetlights, and other essential items to help improve security and public safety in Madina.
According to him, the MP’s office had also recently conducted a working visit to engage with security agencies and assess challenges within the municipality.
“Today’s visit from the police is to show appreciation for the support the MP has extended to them. We have already noticed the impact of the motorbikes, particularly with the establishment of a motorbike patrol team that has been actively patrolling communities in Madina,” he said.
He added that issues raised by the police, including jurisdictional overlaps and logistical challenges, would be conveyed to the MP for further action.
Deputy Chief of Staff Bright Makafui Tettey also noted that the MP’s support last year was intended to retool security agencies in the area, including the police and fire service.
He said the office has since received several commendations from security agencies for its support.
“The police also used the opportunity to outline some of the logistical difficulties they face. For instance, they indicated that the only vehicle currently used for operational activities is a Toyota Camry, which poses serious challenges for their work,” he said.
He added that the command has appealed for a pickup vehicle to enhance operational efficiency.
Despite the challenges, he noted that Madina continues to record one of the lower crime rates in the Greater Accra Region, a development he attributed to collaboration between security agencies and the community.
Mr. Tettey expressed optimism that continued coordination and support would help maintain peace and further strengthen security in the municipality.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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