The Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) has promoted Lance Corporal Edward Opoku of the Band Unit to the rank of a Corporal for exhibiting bravery and rare skills in the recapture of an escaped prisoner at Bomfa Achiase in the Ashanti Region.
Cpl. Opoku, with service number 11557, on December 3, 2022, while on a private mission at Bomfa Achiase, single-handedly assisted in the recapture of an escaped prisoner, Kwame Agyei, who had escaped a lawful custody from Ahinsan Camp Prison on November 29, 2022.
In an attempt to recapture the escaped prisoner, Cpl. Opoku sustained injury while rescuing the escapee from a mob who suspected that he (escapee) had stolen a mobile phone.
However, Cpl. Opoku managed to rescue the prisoner and escorted him to the hospital for medical treatment, after which he was taken to the Kumasi Central Prison and later sent to the Ahinsan Camp Prison.
At a short ceremony held in Accra in his honour, the Director-General of GPS, Mr Isaac Kofi Ekyire, decorated Cpl. Opoku in line with the Policy Guidelines on Enlistment, Promotion and Progression (2013) of the GPS, which highlight clearly the administrative promotion takes effect from July 1, 2023.
“This method of promotion is an exception to the general rules and specifications of these guidelines. The recipient must have shown exceptional honesty, skill, bravery and efficiency,” he said.
Mr Ekyire expressed his admiration for the officer’s vigilance, bravery, humanity and professionalism towards safe custody and prisoner well-being.
He urged other officers to be motivated by this act of bravery and competence, and be dedicated to their duties and exhibit professionalism at all times.
He commended the newly promoted officer and encouraged him to continue the good work for nation building.
In addition to the promotion, Cpl. Opoku was awarded a citation in recognition of his act of heroism.
BY VIVIAN ARTHUR
