Features
Are the police shirking the pragmatic responsibilities instituted by the IGP?
Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
When the current Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare was appointed and confirmed by the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on August 1, 2021, many were those who heaved a sigh of relief and were full of praise and joy because they were of a firm conviction that the old order that had contributed to the low morale and sunken image of the Ghana Police Service (GPS), would be a thing of the past.
THE SUNKEN IMAGE OF THE POLICE IN THE PAST
Before then, the service had virtually been associated with all kinds of malpractices and fraudulent activities as well as certain illegalities among a section of officers that gave the entire police service a bad name. Bribery and corruption among some recalcitrant police officers were common, with entire discipline at the lowest ebb. However, with the introduction of this young hardworking and ‘no nonsense’ police officer at the helm of affairs, the image of the service appears to be changing gradually.
The 52-year-old police officer who is a chartered accountant with a very rich experience in policing and educational background, was the youngest IGP to be appointed under the Fourth Republic and the eight youngest since Ghana gained independence in 1957. During his over 30 years as a police officer, Dr. Dampare, has made significant contributions to policing in Ghana and beyond. He has indeed, used his vast experience to change the face of the entire police service in the country and introduced far-reaching and pragmatic policies to enhance the image and to instill discipline within the Ghana Police Service.
MAINTAINING DISCIPLINE AMONG POLICE OFFICERS BY IGP
No wonder, shortly after he had assumed office, a number of police officers who were found to have been involved in various forms of illegalities were interdicted and put under investigations. He put in place pragmatic steps to curb misconduct behaviour and warned that he would not hesitate to punish miscreant officers whose actions oppress the public to lose confidence in the Ghana Police Service. Hear him in a speech when he addressed a durbar of police officers and civilians in the past; “We want to give you assurance that in our quest to become a world class police institution, we have no reason not to put up our game and make sure that we leave all the things that are unprofessional, unethical and inhuman that set us against the public behind so that at the end of the day, we would be out there to be appreciated with the public having confidence in us.”
I do not intend to bore my readers and patrons with the achievements of the IGP during his less than one year in office for lack of space and also not to deviate from the topic I have chosen to write on. My focus is on how some misguided police officers are misconducting themselves, thus lowering the hard earned reputation the Police Service had carved for itself.
DEALING WITH THE MISCREANTS WITHIN THE POLICE SERVICE
Indeed, in most organisations and institutions, there are few bad nuts and miscreants who do not want to conform to order or the status quo of the places in which they served. Their main intention is to engage in negative activities to soil the image and reputation of their institutions and give them bad names. Such is the case of the Ghana Police Service currently, in which some officers are doing things contrarily to what pertains in their establishment.
Recently, there was a negative development in which the police have been accused of arbitrary using brute force against defenseless students of the Kumasi Islamic Senior High School (SHS). The news of that incident which went public on social media and other traditional media outlets, indicated that about 25 students of the SHS were hospitalised after the police allegedly opened tear gas on them while they were protesting against frequent road crashes of pedestrians in front of the school. The victims were said to be part of a group of students who blocked the Abrepo Junction-Barekese road during the protest.
THE NASTY INCIDENT AT KUMASI ISLAMIC SHS
The angry students had massed up on the road in protest, as they called for the construction of speed ramps on that stretch of the road. So far, we are being told that the affected students had been discharged and calm has been restored on the school campus, making way for academic activities to proceed.
The IGP in his usual reactive manner, has interdicted some officers for their roles in the disturbance. The officers were said to be part of the team said to have video-taped the clash. They consist of a Chief Inspector and two corporals. He warned that any personnel found culpable would be dealt with, according to law. He said the Police Administration would ensure that professionalism was upheld by the service.
INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE VIOLENCE
“Whatever happened in terms of policing aspect of it, we are going to look into it and take all actions that needs to be taken to ensure that at the end of the day, the right thing is done. We will ensure professionalism is deepened in a way that will not put the life of anybody at risk because as police, we are here to protect life and property and if we cannot do that, then we might fail in our mandate, and it is something that we don’t want to do.” Already, the police have admitted that a better approach to tackling the riot at the school could have been employed.
We are informed that the acting Ashanti Regional Police Commander and two other senior officers have been interdicted to pave the way for a smooth investigation into the clash. Parliament has taken a serious view of the matter and the Speaker has directed the Select Committee on Defense and Interior to probe into the matter.
Another nasty incident was recorded in Accra recently, in which the police were reported to have clashed with some youth group calling itself “Arise Ghana” who were demonstrating against the hike in fuel prices and the harsh economic condition by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumiah-led administration. A number of casualties including some police officers were recorded in that demonstration.
LACK OF KNOWLEDGE IN CROWD CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT
The circumstances surrounding those incidents amply demonstrated that either the police are not in tune with crowd management or they intentionally ignored or flouted the processes in handling these demonstrations, particularly that of the students’ demonstration. Their role in crowd management is to prevent crime and gather intelligence by patrolling the area and ensuring the safety of both participants and non-participants. Controlling an unruly crowd demands preparations, flexibility and resoluteness.
Security experts have made it clear that whether it is for a festival, concert, sporting competition or a conference, crowd management is critical factor that keeps your event safe. According to them a large number of people gathering at the same one place, creates high risk that can end up with serious consequences if it is not controlled properly.
I do not intend to tell the IGP what he should do because I am not a security expert but from my little observation, some of his men may need some form of training in crowd control and management to prepare them adequately to handle such situations. We are in an era where demonstration has become a norm and that has been enshrined in our statute books and, therefore, no one including the police administration can deny such lawful arrangements, provided they are peaceful in nature. However, some peaceful demonstrations at times can turn violent and the police must be ready to handle such situations in a more civil and peaceful manner. Demonstrations are indeed, lawful but they should be conducted within the confines of the laws of this country and this, Ghanaians must know and strictly abide by the laws.
IGP AND THE TASK AHEAD OF HIM
Knowing the pedigree of the IGP and his vast knowledge and experience in crime related issues including how some of these violent demonstrations are handled, I am of the conviction that he will rise up to the task of ensuring that the right processes are adopted and followed to protect lives and property as well as maintaining peace and security which are prerequisites in our dear country. We must also build enough confidence in our security apparatus, especially the police service and keep them entirely off politics as much as possible to enable them to stand the test of time. Having said this, it is my firm belief that the alleged culprits of the Kumasi Islamic SHS incident will be thoroughly interrogated and those found culpable are brought to book.
BY CHARLES NEEQUAYE
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0277753946/0248933366
The driver stopped the vehicle at the gate of the large, fenced property along the Nsawam Highway, and Kakraba stepped out to meet the several workers who had gathered to wait for him.
He greeted them and went straight to the point.
“Gentlemen, I am glad to see that you have almost completed the clearing of the land. I’m happy to report that we have concluded all arrangements with Nana Serebour, and construction of the palace will start in a few days.
“I will need you to go and level the ground, and then come back to start this project. Some workers from a construction company will come and join us.
“My plan is to build twenty houses in four months. Then we will do twenty more until we reach two hundred.
“I am relying on you to help me deliver good-quality work to satisfy our clients and, as I have already indicated to you, I will reward you for your work.”
After an hour’s discussion, he closed the meeting and moved to drive away. Wofa Yaw drew closer.
“Director, can you please spare me five minutes? I would like to discuss a small issue.”
“Why, Wofa Yaw? Your wife has threatened to leave you?”
“No, Director. My wife will never leave me. This concerns a young niece of mine.”
“I hope it’s something I can help with. Please sit in the car and let me hear you.”
“Boss, my niece, Beesiwa, is a polytechnic graduate, very beautiful and with very good character.
“Unfortunately, her parents virtually forced her into a relationship with an idiot based in the US, which affected her badly. She has now recovered from that experience and, Boss, I am respectfully asking if you would find a job for her.
“I promise you that you will never regret it.”
“Well, Wofa Yaw, let me meet her and speak with her. I may be able to help, maybe not in the way you expect, but let me meet her.
“I will not be back here for another week, but I will be at the office throughout next week. You can come with her.”
On Monday morning, Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa were seated at the office by nine o’clock. Three young ladies welcomed them warmly, offered them soft drinks and assured them that Kakraba would be there shortly.
They then returned to their desks and sat behind computers with large screens displaying various building designs.
Kakraba walked in and greeted them warmly. After chatting briefly with the three ladies, he ushered Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa into his office.
“Director, this is my niece, Beesiwa. I mentioned her to you when you came to Nsawam.”
“Yes, indeed. Madam Beesiwa, you are very beautiful, just as your uncle said. Wofa Yaw is my colleague.
“We have just started a building project that will take about three to four years. He mentioned that you have a small problem, so I said I would like to meet you and see how I can help.
“So, Beesiwa, please tell me a little about yourself.”
Beesiwa described her childhood, her school experience, her brief work at the bank and the nasty episode with Sammy Abrokwa, which shattered her peaceful life. She also explained how she had been recovering from the experience.
“I am really sorry to hear this,” Kakraba said. “Now, here is what we are going to do.
“We are a small but very busy company. The three ladies out there spend most of the day on site and come back to report on their work in the morning.
“I have three main projects. The big one is an estate project in Nsawam, where your uncle is one of my main colleagues. I need a personal assistant who can take care of my activities, especially when I am not in town.
“Now, we will have to start with trust. Based on what I know about Wofa Yaw, and based on what you yourself have told me, I think we can start on a sound basis.
“So, Wofa Yaw will take you to my home. You can move into one of the four guest rooms.”
“Sir, I have taken some computer lessons, and I have even done graphics and web design,” Beesiwa said.
“Fantastic! I will give you a good phone and a laptop. I will also arrange computer lessons for you.”
“Now, Wofa Yaw, take her home. My sister, Kuukuwa, will meet you and show you around, and then you can return to Koforidua.
“When would you like to start work?”
“Sir, I would like to start today, but I would need to go and bring my things.”
“No problem. Take a taxi to my house, meet my sister, and let me know what you decide.”
Later that day, Kakraba and the three ladies met with some bank officials to conclude the sale of the three buildings at Adabraka.
They closed at five-thirty and, after rewarding the ladies for their hard work, Kakraba got home just after dark.
He was surprised to find Kuukuwa and Beesiwa sitting at the table enjoying supper.
“What’s happening here?” he asked. “Beesiwa, I thought you would return to Koforidua.”
“She changed her mind,” Kuukuwa said. “We went to the mall and bought a few things for her. Then we came back to cook. She has made some nice changes to your bedroom and cooked a couple of interesting dishes. Sit down; we will serve you.”
“Well, I certainly can’t refuse that. It’s been a busy day.
“So, what’s the plan now? Will Beesiwa go to Koforidua tomorrow, gather her things together and come down?”
“No, I will stay here for a while,” Beesiwa replied. “Kuukuwa bought me the things I need, so I may go back next week. I’m ready to start work. What would you like me to start with?”
“Well, you can come to the office tomorrow morning, meet the three girls and get a feel for what we do.
“Since you are living here, at least for now, we can discuss the plans for the next few weeks.
“Sometimes there are gaps when I travel up north. You can take care of things from now. I think the girls would like having someone like you around.”
By Ekow de Heer
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A frequent question following breast surgery is whether human tissue possesses the regenerative capacity to restore an excised organ.
From a strict physiological standpoint, a completely removed breast cannot regrow. Unlike certain organisms that can regenerate complex limbs or organs, adult human tissues—particularly specialised glandular structures—lack the cellular machinery required to rebuild an entire organ after its total surgical removal.
Instead, the body heals the surgical site through processes such as scar tissue formation and re-epithelialisation rather than complete cellular regeneration.
What a mastectomy actually removes
To understand why natural tissue regeneration does not occur, it is important to examine the surgical scope of a mastectomy.
Depending on the type of procedure and the medical reason for surgery, a mastectomy may involve the removal of:
Glandular architecture: The milk-producing lobules and ducts that form the functional core of the mammary gland.
Adipose tissue: The fatty tissue that contributes to breast volume, projection and contour.
Other breast tissue: The extent of tissue removal varies according to the type of mastectomy and the need to achieve appropriate surgical clearance.
Because specialised breast structures are physically removed, the body does not rebuild a complete mammary gland. Instead, healing occurs through tissue repair and scar formation.
Distinguishing residual tissue from “regrowth”
Patients or observers may notice changes in the chest area after surgery, sometimes leading to misconceptions about tissue regeneration.
Skin- and nipple-sparing procedures
Modern breast surgery may preserve the outer skin envelope or, in selected cases, the nipple-areola complex. Small amounts of breast tissue may remain depending on the surgical technique. Any changes in remaining tissue due to hormonal fluctuations represent residual tissue responding to the body, rather than the regrowth of a completely removed breast.
Adipose accumulation
Weight gain after surgery can increase the amount of subcutaneous fat across the chest wall. However, this is part of general body fat distribution and does not represent the regeneration of a mammary gland.
Modern reconstructive pathways
Because a completely removed breast does not naturally regenerate, modern medicine offers reconstructive options aimed at restoring physical symmetry, contour and body image.
The two main approaches are implant-based reconstruction and autologous, or tissue-based, reconstruction.
Implant-based reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction uses synthetic medical devices, typically filled with silicone gel or saline, to rebuild the breast mound following a mastectomy.
The two-stage process: This approach may begin with the placement of a temporary tissue expander to gradually create space and stretch the surrounding tissues. A later procedure may then be performed to place a permanent implant.
Recovery profile: Implant-based reconstruction generally involves a shorter initial surgery and recovery period compared with procedures that require tissue to be harvested from another part of the body.
Long-term considerations: Breast implants are not lifetime devices and require ongoing medical monitoring. Some patients may need additional procedures over time because of complications or changes in the implant or surrounding tissue.
Autologous or tissue-based reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own living tissue to create a new breast mound. Tissue may be transferred from another part of the body, commonly the lower abdomen, using procedures such as a DIEP flap.
Natural look and feel: Because the reconstruction uses living tissue, it can provide a natural warmth, texture and softness. The tissue may also change with the patient’s body weight over time.
Long-term durability: Once healing is complete, autologous reconstruction can provide a long-lasting result without the need to replace an implant. However, some patients may still require further procedures.
Complex surgery: This option usually involves a longer operation and recovery period. In microsurgical procedures, surgeons may need to reconnect tiny blood vessels to establish blood flow to the transferred tissue.
Direct comparison
When choosing between these two reconstructive pathways, patients and their surgical teams must consider several physical, medical and lifestyle factors.
Surgical burden: Implant surgery is generally less invasive, while flap reconstruction involves surgery at both the chest and the donor site.
Foreign material versus native tissue: Implants involve the use of a medical device, while autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue.
Recovery: The recovery timelines and rehabilitation requirements differ significantly between the two procedures.
Recovery and physical rehabilitation
Recovering from breast reconstruction requires patience, careful pacing and, in some cases, structured physical rehabilitation.
Because implant-based and autologous tissue-flap procedures involve different surgical techniques, their healing timelines and physical therapy milestones can vary considerably.
Understanding these differences is important for patients considering reconstruction, as the choice involves more than restoring physical appearance. It also requires careful consideration of recovery, long-term monitoring, lifestyle and individual medical needs.
Part 2 will examine recovery timelines, physical therapy milestones and other factors patients should consider when choosing between reconstructive options.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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