Ghana’s Kente steals show at 59th International Association of Women Police
The rich culture of Ghana was displayed by the personnel from the Ghana Police Service and Ghana Immigration Service at the just ended 59th International Association of Women Police (IAWP) conference at Niagara Falls, Ontario in Canada.
The rich culture of Ghana was displayed by the personnel from the Ghana Police Service and Ghana Immigration Service at the just ended 59th International Association of Women Police (IAWP) conference at Niagara Falls, Ontario in Canada.
Delegates from Ghana drawn from the Ghana Police Service with others from the Ghana Immigration stood out in colourful ‘slit and kaba’ styles made from Kente and other fabrics at the cultural day held as part of the five-day event.
The five-day event which was on the theme “Connect, Empower, Lead” sought to strengthen, unite and raise the capacity of women in police around the world.
It was hosted by the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement (OWLE), the Niagara Regional Police Service and Hamilton Police.
The colourful event, brought together hundreds of policewomen from 46 countries including Ghana comprising 28 police and 25 immigration officers saw Ghana’s delegates displaying the national colours and draped themselves in Kente with beads and other ornaments to match, distinguishing themselves at the event that brought together hundreds of policewomen from over 46 countries.
It was an exciting scene as delegates were seen exchanging gifts such as national flags and souvenirs during the cultural display.
ACP (Rtd) Patience Quaye, in an interview, said Ghanaians must be proud of our cultural heritage since it enables them to protect and preserve our national assets.
“The day was crucial because it brings about unity and promotion of national cohesion,” she said.
Some of the topics discussed during the conference were leadership, mentoring, drug law enforcement, investigation skills, domestic violence issues and community policing engagement among others.
As part of the occasion, documentaries on female police officers in patrols, investigations of crimes, highlighting challenges facing women, and sharing of experiences in policing among others were aired.
“Let’s all support our women, they are ready to lead”. this was the call made by the Hamilton Police Chief, Frank Bergen and the Niagara Police Chief, Bryan Macculloch at the just ended 59th International Association of Women Police (IAWP) conference at Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada.
The five-day event which was on the theme “Connect, Empower, Lead” sought to strengthen, unite and raise the capacity of women in police around the world.
It was hosted by the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement (OWLE), the Niagara Regional Police Service and Hamilton Police.
It was attended by hundreds of policewomen from 46 countries including Ghana comprising of 28 police and 25 immigration officers.
The Hamilton Police Chief, Frank Bergen, commended women in policing for ensuring law and order over the years.
He championed the need for policemen to support their female counterparts in ensuring their empowerment.
“Let all support our women, they are ready to lead us,” he said.
The Niagara Police Chief, Brayn Macculloch, stated that the conference was crucial and had educated and inspired the delegates.
He commended the organisers of the programme for the initiative.
A former Minneapolis Police Chief, Ms Janee Harteau, advised women in policing to encourage themselves in all that they do.
“You will be successful when you stay true to yourselves and support each other,” she added.
The president of IAWP, Ms Deb Friedel, commended the organisers of the programme for their dedication.
Ms Friedel on behalf of IAWP presented awards to the Hamilton and Niagara Police chiefs.
The 60th annual training conference is expected to take place in Auckland, New Zealand from September 17 to 21, 2023.