Graduation of 945 Community Protection Assistants Marks New Chapter in Youth Empowerment
A significant milestone has been achieved as 945 young men and women from the Volta, Oti, and Eastern Regions have successfully completed their training and graduated as Community Protection Assistants (CPAs). This initiative, under the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), aims to support the Ghana Police Service in maintaining law and order across the country.
The graduation ceremony took place at the Volta Regional Police Training School in Ho. The event saw 322 recruits from the Volta Region, 147 from the Oti Region, and 477 from the Eastern Region complete an intensive three-week training program. This marks a major step forward in the collaboration between YEA and the police service to enhance community safety and youth engagement.
Strategic Collaboration for Community Development
Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister and Reviewing Officer for the parade, commended the efforts of YEA and the Ghana Police Service. He highlighted the importance of this partnership in fostering community development and empowering the youth. “This graduation is a product of strategic collaboration for the betterment of our communities and the empowerment of our youth under the visionary leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama,” he said.
The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to creating more job opportunities for the youth. He outlined plans to expand employment in sectors such as security, climate-smart agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), and community development. “You are living testimony of what happens when policy meets purpose,” he told the graduates.
He encouraged the CPAs to serve with humility, integrity, and professionalism. “Let your presence inspire confidence in the public. Uphold the values of discipline, respect, and community engagement,” he added.
Role of CPAs in Enhancing Public Safety
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Mr. Wisdom Akorli, the Volta Regional Police Commander, praised the recruits for their dedication. He noted that they were trained in various areas including ethics, community policing, client management, criminal law, traffic management, intelligence gathering, women’s rights, and physical drills.
He emphasized the critical role that CPAs play in building trust between the police and the communities they serve. Their responsibilities include crime prevention, educational talks, neighborhood watch schemes, and public safety exercises. “CPAs are essential in strengthening the relationship between the police and the public,” he stated.
Recognition of Efforts and Future Prospects
Mr. Daniel Hamenu, the Volta Regional Director of YEA, expressed his appreciation for the resilience, discipline, and commitment of the graduates. “My hearty congratulations to all of you and to the families, parents, and guardians who supported you in this journey to serve the nation,” he said.
He also thanked Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mr. William Yankey Acolatse, Commanding Officer of the Volta Regional Police Training School, for his hospitality and professionalism. “Let me express my singular gratitude to the commanding officer for his cordial working relationship and dedication to this course,” Mr. Hamenu stated.
The CPA model, one of YEA’s long-standing initiatives, is designed to engage youth in supporting the police in protecting lives, maintaining public order, and improving community safety. The agency targets the recruitment of 12,000 CPAs annually.
“This is the first batch of the 12,000 passing out today across six training schools in the country. The second batch will report to training in the coming days,” Mr. Hamenu said.
Expectations and Continued Learning Opportunities
CPAs serve a two-year contract with YEA, after which those who meet the Ghana Police Service’s requirements may be absorbed into the mainstream service. “I expect you to demonstrate commitment, sacrifice, honesty, and dedication so that a good recommendation can be given about you,” he advised.
Mr. Hamenu also announced new YEA modules in the education sector, including Youth in Arabic Education, Community Education Teaching Assistants, and Kitchen Support Assistants. He urged the CPAs to embrace continuous learning opportunities in their roles.
“No amount of insubordination will be tolerated. Any CPA found engaging in acts that bring the agency or service into disrepute will be decisively dealt with,” he cautioned.
Deployment and Impact on Communities
The graduates will be deployed to communities across their respective regions to provide a critical link between the public and the police. This initiative reinforces national efforts to protect lives and property while promoting a sense of security and trust among citizens.
The success of this program highlights the potential of youth-led initiatives in driving positive change and contributing to the overall development of the nation. As these CPAs take on their new roles, their impact on local communities is expected to be significant and long-lasting.