Bawumia's 2019 promise to give police bulletproof helmets trends after fatal bullion van attack

Vice President Dr. Bawumia in 2019 promised to provide bullet-proof vests and helmets for the Ghana Police Service.

Dr Bawumia said all officers who go on “outside duties” including snap checks, guard duty at banks and filling stations will now be issued with weapons, bulletproof vests and helmets to be able to protect themselves.

But that promise has not been fulfilled as a police officer was shot in the head yesterday while on escort duties in a bullion van at James Town. The police officer was not wearing a helmet and or a bulletproof vest. He died instantly.

This has sparked debates both on social and traditional media about the bulletproof vests and helmets promised by the Vice President in 2019.

Dr Bawumia has since the fatal incident on Monday come under heavy criticism.

He announced the enhanced security measures for the police when he joined family and friends at the burial ceremony of L/Cpl Mohammed Awal. Mohammed who was slain in the line of duty at Abuakwa, a suburb of Kumasi, on Friday, August 30, 2019.

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L/Cpl Awal and Sgt Michael Gyamasie, stationed at Kasoa MTTD, were shot and killed by suspected armed robbers at Aplaku near Kasoa on Wednesday, August 28, 2019.

The Ghana Police Service picked up three persons suspected to be involved in the murder of the two officers, while a bounty of Ghs10,000 was placed on a suspect, Eric Kojo Duah, who was later apprehended.

The murder of L/Cpl Awal and Sgt Gyamasie is just a few of the many instances of unarmed police officers dying in the line of duty in recent times.

“I came here today in a very sad mood. Government is very much disturbed by what happened on Wednesday 28th August leading to the loss of two police officers, namely Sgt. Michael Gyamasie and L/CPL Awal Mohammed in the line of duty. This development of violence, maiming and killing of security officers going about their lawful duties to protect lives and property in the country are acutely distressing.

“On behalf of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, I convey the heartfelt condolences of the entire government to the bereaved families, and pray Allah for a peaceful rest to the souls of our beloved. We assure you of the prayers and support of government in these trying times,” Dr Bawumia, who is Chairman of the Police Council, told a gathering at the funeral of L/Cpl Awal.

Government, Vice President Bawumia stated, is committed to ensuring that the Ghana Police Service receives the necessary equipment to discharge its duty, especially in the wake of recent killings.

“In the last month, five unarmed police officers have been killed by criminals in the line of duty. This is unacceptable and the government will not sit down for this to continue. Henceforth all officers of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) will now be armed to ensure their protection. Also, all police officers who go on “outside duties” will now be armed with weapons, bulletproof vests and helmets to be able to protect themselves.

“Thankfully, just this week, 4,500 bulletproof vests have been delivered to the Police to help stem these unfortunate incidents. I urge police officers to wear bulletproof vests and not say that they are uncomfortable to wear. Other logistical items have been delivered to the Police including non-lethal weapons. The government will continue to support the Police and more logistics will be delivered soon. We must protect our police for them to be able to protect us.

“We are retooling the Service and Government has delivered 567 vehicles to the Police service since 2017. We have also given clearance for the recruitment of 4000 officers into the Service to boost the numbers.”

The Vice President urged Ghanaians to see the police and other security forces as “our family members, friends, and protectors. As a nation, we must all remember that peace and security are two cardinal necessities in life and those who have elected to sacrifice to help us maintain peace and order ought to be respected and protected.”

Vice President Bawumia eulogised Sgt. Michael Gyamasie and L/CPL Awal Mohammed, describing them as “two hardworking officers who discharged their duties creditably in the interest of the nation and should therefore not suffer this unfortunate fate. These gallant men will forever be remembered for their acts of sacrifice for the nation. Any life lost is a life too much.”

The management of the Service, he added, are working hard to bring the perpetrators of the murders to book.

“I have full confidence in the IGP and his men to work hard to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to book. We are going to go after the attackers”, he declared.