The safety of our communities depends greatly on the men and women who serve on the frontlines of law enforcement. But for our police officers to serve effectively, they must also have the basic tools and logistical support required to do their work.
That belief informed my decision in May 2019 to support the Sandema District Police Command with essential office and information technology equipment.
The Command had appealed to stakeholders for assistance with some of the logistical challenges affecting its operations. As Member of Parliament for Builsa North, I considered it important that I responded.
I therefore presented the Command with a laptop computer, desktop computers, a dual-purpose printer, office desks and chairs to support its administrative work and enhance its capacity to serve the people of Sandema and the wider Builsa North District.
At the time, I was also serving as the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee. My work at the national level had given me a close appreciation of the demands placed on Ghana’s security services and the importance of ensuring that officers at the local level are adequately equipped.
But this intervention was also deeply local for me.
These are the officers who work within our communities every day. They respond when our people need assistance, help maintain peace and public order and contribute to creating the secure environment upon which families, businesses and community life depend.
I have always believed that security cannot be treated only as a national issue discussed in Accra. Effective security begins within our districts and communities.
Strengthening the Sandema Police Command was therefore an investment in the safety of Builsa North.
During the presentation, I emphasised that the equipment was intended to support the administrative work of the police and help bring policing closer to the people. The District Commander, Superintendent Ntoso, indicated that the equipment would improve the Command’s administrative effectiveness.
I was particularly encouraged by the wider recognition that maintaining peace and security requires cooperation. Government has its responsibilities. Parliament has its responsibilities. The security services have theirs. But citizens, traditional leaders, businesses and other stakeholders also have an important role to play.
Our police cannot succeed without the confidence and cooperation of the communities they serve.
Security Is Part of Development
My commitment to Builsa North has always been based on a simple principle: development is about strengthening the institutions that make everyday life better for our people.
That includes our schools and health facilities.
It includes roads, water and economic opportunities.
And it also includes the institutions that protect lives, property and public order.
Providing computers, furniture or other equipment may appear modest when viewed in isolation, but when those resources improve the ability of a police command to organise its work, maintain records, communicate effectively and respond to the community, they contribute directly to better public service.
My commitment remains to work with the people and institutions of Builsa North to build communities where our people can live, work and raise their families in peace and security.
James Agalga, Esq.
Member of Parliament for Builsa North