The Ghana Police Service has intensified its security measures ahead of the 2022 World Cup tournament to protect the lives and property of Ghanaians.
According to the Service, the participation of the Black Stars in this year’s tournament in Qatar has a tendency to disrupt the security enjoyed as “football is arguably the heartbeat of the nation.”
In a statement dated November 17, signed by Director of Public Affairs, Chief Superintendent Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the police noted that it “acknowledges the euphoria that engulfs the nation during the World Cup tournament,” but must perform its mandate in maintaining security, law and order.
Ahead of the tournament, which takes effect today, November 20, the Police have directed all members of the public who intend to organise public viewings of the tournament at specially designated places to contact their regional, divisional, and district commands for further security directives.
A temporary number, 0277585542, has been dedicated to security matters involving the 2022 World Cup.
Also, the Police has admonished other members of the public to be “security conscious so that in their excitement and jubilation, they do not fall victim to crime and do not infringe on the rights and freedoms of others.”
In November 2021, a Ghanaian, Yaw Owusu, was murdered in South Africa following the Black Stars 1-0 victory over Bafana Bafana in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
The senior national team arrived in Qatar on Friday, November 18.
The Black Stars will compete in Group H of the group stages of the tournament. In that group, Ghana will battle it out with two-time champions Uruguay, as well as European giants Portugal.
The other group opponent is South Korea from Asia.
Ghana’s Black Stars will play their first match on November 24 against Portugal.
Coach Otto Addo and his team will later take on South Korea on November 28 before finishing the group stage campaign with a rematch against Uruguay.
Many Ghanaians are anticipating a wonderful performance from the national team after their victory against Switzerland in an international friendly on November 17.
According to President Akufo-Addo, “the entire nation, without the distinction of politics, religion, ethnicity; the entire Ghanaian nation is 100% solidly behind” the Black Stars.
Source: The Independent Ghana