A total of 541 personnel under the Youth Agency Programme (YEA), have successfully completed an eleven day training at the Pwalugu police training school in the Upper East Region as Environmental Protection Agency officers.
The 541 personnel drawn from the Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions were taken through environmental and sanitation regulations, communication skills, human rights, giving evidence in court, personal security tips, private person cover arrest, first aid, and clients care.
Director of Police Public Safety Training at Pwalugu, ASP Adusei Poku, said the personnel will augment the efforts of the police, the EPA and the forestry department to curb environmental challenges.
Mr. Adusei admonished the personnel to discharge their duties with circumspection and professionalism.
“We are all aware of the hazards posed by bad environmental practices in our villages and cities that have resulted in the creation of slams, destruction of trees and vegetation and pollution of water bodies by mining activities.
“Let me caution you that, you are not going to have it easy. There will be confrontation, attacks, and others to tarnish your image; but be circumspect and less verbose whilst working in synergy with your senior officers to clamp down on the long aging menace of environmental degradation and pollution,” he added.
Mr. Adusei also urged the personnel to take advantage of the opportunity and build networks with various agencies for career progression and permanent employment.
Mr. Jonathan Abdallah, cautioned the personnel to refrain from extorting monies from institutions and companies during their line of duty, adding that, anyone found culpable for such act will be sanctioned accordingly including dismissal.
“If you are asked to go and inspect a hotel. For instance, you get there and the hotel doesn’t have the required facilities, don’t take money from the affected hotel and report to your superior that the hotel is okay. You must do your work as prescribed, don’t let the issue of money and bribe influence your work or else you will either be sanctioned or dismissed”.
He urged personnel to submit their account details for prompt payment of their travel and transport allowances and monthly salary.
The personnel will inspect hotels, guest houses, fuel stations and mining centers among others.
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By: Frederick Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana