The Vice President, John Mahama has hinted in an address to Police Chiefs meeting in Accra on Friday that plans are far advance for the establishment of West Africa’s first Forensic Laboratory. “The construction of the forensic laboratory is going to take place and the police service will probably become the first in West Africa to begin DNA testing and to establish a DNA database in order that you (Police) can use that as a reference for your criminal policing and detection,” he said. He added that the forensic lab will come with a modern ballistic range that will allow testing of fire arms in other to improve crime detection. He said they intend to create a finger print database so that the Police will have database of known criminals so that they will be able to compare using modern technology than the current magnifying glass. He made these statements during the annual meeting of top Police chiefs in the country which is used to address challenges facing the police service and also discuss key policing issues. The vice president who is also the chairman of the Police Council, lauded such a conference which he said afforded the top brass of the Ghana Police Service the opportunity to share experiences and discuss challenges that face the service and to be provide possible resolutions. He added his voice to the Minister of Interior in commending the Police for bringing down the spate of armed robbery which bedeviled the country during the early part of last year. He said it does not only affect the citizenry but it also prevents foreign investors from coming into the country. “I wish on behalf of myself and members of the police council to thank and commend you for the very good work you have done in challenging circumstances and to say that the council and the government at large appreciates very much the work that you are doing and will do everything to support you to be able to work more efficiently and make your work easier.” John Mahama said government clearly understands the numerous challenges affecting the Police service and it is putting in measures to increase recruitment to match up to the UN’s approve Police-civilian ratio in the country. He disclosed that, plans are far advance to introduce modern scientific technologies into policing by revamping the Police Forensic Lab for the police to able to do DNA testing. He said they will improve communication services and intellectual capacity of the average policeman to be able to create the needed human resource that will give the Police service its due. The Vice President confirmed that provision has been made in this year’s budget to complete all on going police projects especially housing for the police. He said the government has already concluded an agreement with a Korean consortium to construct 200,000 housing units over a period of five years of which the police service will be a major beneficiary. He concluded that as a government, they do not intend to politicise the Police service. He said the service must be a professional one that carries out its duties with efficiency in the interest of the people of Ghana and state. “We are not going to politically interfere with your work,” he said. Story by Aglanu Dela Ernest/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana