In recent times, it is quite difficult to find people who dedicate their ideas, time and scarce financial resources for the sake of community development. The notion has always been that government agencies have the solitary prerogative to ensure that development is brought to the people.
But, a selfless, dedicated, result and development-oriented man, Mr Bagnaba Van-Gogh decided to parry aside the above concept and led an Association to finance and successfully complete a super hi- tech Police station at Tema Community 25 in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
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The construction of the Polices Station by the Van- Gogh -led Tema Community 25 Residents Association was part efforts to improve security in the community and to support the creation of safe environment for all.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
The above quote by Quincy Adams John, resonates Mr Bagnaba Van-Gogh’s attributes. It is not far- fetched that when a community is led by a leader who has a vision that is progressive and understands the workings of the ordinary human beings the results are bountiful.
For six years, Mr Bagnaba Van Gogh, a leader of all standards led a community to put up a world class police station which befits the police and for that matter policing in Ghana and the world with all the logistics one can think of.
The facility which was commissioned recently would serve residents and the business community within the area has a Charge Office, Station Officer’s office, Armoury, Exhibit room, washrooms, Female cell, juvenile and male cell all fitted with ensuite washroom, Interrogation rooms, CID Office, Conference room, Commander Washrooms, Control office for CCTV and Drone operation, Commander Office and charge office.
It is important for Communities, Districts, and Regions to emulate the example set by Mr Van Gogh and his team in order to help propel development.
Mr Van- Gogh, who is also the General Manager of Operations at the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Co. Ltd (BOST) believes that security must be a topmost priority for every community.
Speaking to Public Agenda after the commissioning of the Police Station, Mr Van- Gogh, affectionately called ‘Chairman one’ explained that Community 25 is a peaceful and ideal place for residents to go about with their normal duties without hindrance.
“So the Commissioning of this facility will further enhance our security and make it more appealing to anybody wishing to enjoy some of the amenities available,” he said.
According to the ever- bubbly Van-Gogh, it was not too difficult in proposing to Residents to consider putting up a facility to house the police command in the community.
According to him, although it was not easy raising the required funds to put up the Police Station, the Tema Community 25 Residents Association of which he is the chairman, was determined to complete the project in a record time.
The police station would not only enhance the security of the residents, but would also be of services to some financial institutions, industries and above all the protection of lives and properties.
Mr Van- Gogh added that the socio economic benefits which will be derived from a well secured environment is countless, thus, the facility in a nutshell, will serve that purpose.
He noted that the membership of community 25 made a tremendous sacrifice and contributions which has enabled them to put up the police station.
He stated, “it is important to note that the executive board of Resident Association also took into consideration the importance of having a police command to national facilities like the Volta River Authority Gas Powered Plant, Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Depot, Ghana Grid Company and the Trans Ecowas Highway.
“We are very much delighted that after almost six years, through the contributions of members of our community and some corporate entities, we have been able to achieve our objectives by completing this facility.”
The Inspector General of Police, Mr David Asante- Apeatu who was the Guest of honour at the event to commission the beautifully constructed edifice hailed Mr Van-Gogh and the Residents Association for such the wonderful gesture.
He used the occasion to call on other communities to emulate the example of the Community 25 Residents Association to help combat crime.
The IGP said “I am not only delighted by the construction of such a beautiful edifice, but excited about the role that this facility will play in reducing crime in an area which was vast for effective coverage by the kpone police district.”
By Mohammed Suleman
