Police operatives responding to emergency situations can now be airlifted from Accra to any part of the country.
A helipad where the aircraft would land or take off was inaugurated at the forecourt of the National Operations Centre of the Ghana Police Service headquarters, last Friday.
The helipad which is expected to boost the operations of the police would air lift operatives to facilitate rapid response and ensure quick deployment of personnel to distress areas.
Director-General of Cervices, Commissioner of Police (COP) James Oppong-Boanuh speaking before the Inspector General of Police noted that the dynamic exigencies of effective law enforcement required urgent actions.
�Criminals use advancement in technology to perfect their crime; therefore any police organization that wants to stay in the game must be proactive and adopt pragmatic strategies.�
He said the inauguration of the helipad was a practical demonstration of the determination of the Police Administration to enhance the operational capability of the police in the maintenance of law and order.
�This helipad will facilitate the use of air assets in emergency deployment and re-enforcement in times of public order situations, violent conflicts, and violent crimes like armed robbery with the collaboration of the Ghana Armed Forces, where response time is of ultimate essence to protect life and property, prevent crime and maintain law and order.�
Personnel of the Police Rapid Force in riot control geared with shields, batons rather than come demonstrated how they would respond to an emergency mass disorder.
A Ghana Armed Forces aircraft landed on the helipad as part of the demonstration.
Flying Officer Kwesi Boakye told Daily Guide that the aircraft is a Russian helicopter by name MI 171 SH with a capacity to carry 34 people or 26 in terms of troops.
He said the helicopter which has a five hour endurance is used for troop movement, medical evacuation, casualty and VIP transport as well as reconnaissance.
Minister of Interior, Kwesi Ahwoi told journalists that the inauguration was a positive development as the police would be able to discharge its mandate.
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