The Obuasi Municipal Police Commander, DSP Francis Ekoh, has announced the introduction of a 24-hour police duty shift system in the municipality to enhance security and support round-the-clock economic activities.
The initiative, currently being piloted at selected fuel filling stations within the municipality, is expected to improve public confidence and enable residents to access fuel and related services at any time of day or night.
Speaking at the ongoing General Assembly Meeting of the Obuasi Municipal Assembly, DSP Ekoh explained that the new policing arrangement forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen security and encourage businesses to operate beyond traditional working hours.
According to the Municipal Police Commander, the 24-hour duty system operates on three shifts. The first shift runs from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the second from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and the third shift covers the period from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
He noted that the deployment of police personnel under the new arrangement is intended to provide security coverage for fuel stations and reassure both operators and customers, particularly during late-night hours.
DSP Ekoh described the initiative as a pilot programme that could eventually be extended to other sectors of the local economy if successful.
He expressed optimism that the enhanced police presence would contribute to improved safety, increased business activity, and greater convenience for residents who require essential services outside normal operating hours.
The Commander further encouraged members of the public to patronise fuel stations operating under the initiative, assuring them of adequate security.
Assembly Members welcomed the announcement and praised the Obuasi Police Command for what they described as an innovative intervention to improve public safety and support economic growth.
They noted that the initiative has the potential to boost commercial activities within the municipality while making essential services more accessible to residents.
The Members, however, appealed to the Police Command to consider extending the programme to other strategic sectors and locations across the municipality to maximise its impact.
The introduction of the 24-hour duty shift system forms part of broader efforts by the Obuasi Police Command to enhance security, promote public confidence, and create an enabling environment for businesses and residents within the municipality.
Ernest Kofi Offen, ISD
Obuasi
