Agona west: A total of 92 Community Police Assistants (CPAs) and 12 Fire Service Assistants have been inaugurated to help curb community crimes and ensure fire safety in the Agona West Municipality of the Central region. Mrs. Ernestina Ofori Dangbey, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Agona West, officiated the ceremony and urged the new recruits to avoid extortion and behaviors that could tarnish their reputations and work.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Dangbey highlighted the government's commitment under President John Mahama to reduce youth unemployment as part of enhancing socio-economic development. The passing out of CPAs and Fire Service Assistants marks a significant milestone in the government's efforts to create job opportunities for the youth. Their roles are crucial in serving the community to reduce fire devastation and crime.
The MP emphasized the importance of the community police and Fire Service Assistants in the government's efforts to institute a 24-hour economy, enabling citizens to conduct business with maximum security. She called on the new recruits to serve with humility and honesty, aiding the police and Ghana Fire Service in achieving their objectives.
Mrs. Dangbey encouraged chiefs, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders to support the CPAs and Fire Safety Assistants in discharging their duties to enhance peace and development. She also mentioned that the government would consider them for recruitment into security services based on their conduct and hard work.
Addressing the current water crisis affecting Agona Swedru and several surrounding communities, the MP assured that temporary measures, including tanker supplies, had been arranged by her office and the Municipal Assembly. She urged 'galamsey' operators working upstream of the River Ayensu and other rivers to cease activities to restore water supply from the Ghana Water Company.
Mrs. Ofori Dangbey commended Mr. Frank Freebody Mensah, the Agona West Municipal Director of the Youth Employment Agency, for his innovative approach in creating numerous job opportunities for the youth in the Municipality since assuming office.
Mr. Eric Gyamfi Odoom, the Agona West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), noted that the inauguration of CPAs and Fire Service Assistants aligns with President Mahama's reset agenda and vision to transform the country. He emphasized the non-partisan selection process, reflecting the NDC government's belief in inclusivity, and warned the inductees against corruption and extortion.
Mr. Gyamfi Odoom warned that any misconduct by the Community Police and Fire Service Assistants that tarnishes the institutions' image and the government would lead to immediate dismissal.