Police lip service shown by the Ablekuma bullion van attack: Agalga

According to the minority caucus in parliament, the government’s lack of sincerity in its commitment to the welfare of the Ghana Police Service was made clear by the shooting event involving an Ablekuma bullion truck on June 22, 2023, which claimed the life of a young police officer.

The plain-clothed police escort was shot and killed when a gang of four bandits opened fire on them as they approached the van at a Star Oil fuel station in Ablekuma Fanmilk.

Unharmed, the driver was able to flee. A search for the thieves has been launched by the police.

During an interview with Valentina Ofori-Afriyie on Class91.3FM’s midday news 12Live on Friday, 23 June 2023, Mr. James Agalga, the ranking member of the defence and interior committee of parliament, expressed his shock that another bullion van robbery had occurred, resulting in the death of a police officer, despite a similar incident occurring in 2021 and the assurance from the Minister for the Interior that all police escorts would be.

Mr. Agalga emphasised that despite the Interior Minister’s assurances that police officers would be given the proper gear, including helmets and jackets, to boost their confidence and protect their survival in the event of an assault, a repeat of the occurrence has happened.

He stated that the episode exposed the government’s continued lip service to employee safety.

Mr. Agalga stressed the need of placing a high priority on the safety of the police force, saying that doing so is extremely undesirable and that significant action must be made to remedy the problem.