John Mahama takes step to adress critical logistical challenges of security agencies

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a GH¢1 billion budget allocation to retool Ghana’s security agencies, with a focus on addressing critical logistical challenges facing the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service.

According to a report by starrfm.com.gh, on June 20, 2025, the president made the announcement during an engagement with security personnel, where he acknowledged the tough conditions under which officers operate.

He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to providing the necessary equipment and support.

“I know you work under difficult circumstances, and we’ve actually been discussing with the Minister of the Interior how we can retool your services so that you have the equipment and logistics to be able to do your work,” Mahama stated.

“We had a National Security Council meeting this afternoon, and I managed to squeeze the Minister of Finance’s hand behind his back, and we’ll get a budget of a billion cedis for retooling of your various services,” he added.

He highlighted the Ghana National Fire Service as one of the most urgently affected, revealing that the last major procurement of fire tenders occurred nearly a decade ago during the late President Mills’ administration.

“Fire Service needs fire equipment urgently. Let me say I empathise with my sister here. When the Fire Service arrives late, people get angry. But they just don’t have the fire tenders. The last set of fire tenders were bought almost 9 or 10 years ago and most of those tenders are broken down,” he said.

President Mahama also expressed concern over the growing threat of violent crime, including armed robbery, and the constraints faced by the Ghana Police Service in combating such incidents.

He appealed to the public to show empathy, particularly toward fire personnel who often operate with very limited resources.

“So, I urge the public to be patient with our fire officers. They are working under difficult circumstances. So, one of the priorities will be to get some new fire tenders for you,” he assured.

“The police have to confront armed robbers every day, and you do not expect them to do it in light-skinned vehicles,” he remarked.

The retooling initiative is expected to benefit all 11 security agencies under the Ministry of the Interior and improve their capacity to safeguard the public more effectively.

AS/VPO

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