Ghana's security services are taking significant steps to improve safety for all citizens.

This includes the implementation of K9 security services at various checkpoints and security installations.

Through collaboration between the Ghana Police Service K9 and the Ghana Prison Service K9, dogs are being trained nationwide to combat crime.

One of the primary objectives is to prevent the introduction of contraband into prisons by officers, visitors, or inmates.

This joint effort between the Ghana Police Service K9 team and the Ghana Prison Service K9 team will contribute to a safer environment overall.

The introduction of K9 units will enable the police to effectively detect and apprehend individuals carrying narcotics, weapons, and ammunition, particularly at checkpoints.

For the Ghana Prison Service, this new security measure will ensure that contraband has no chance of entering prisons, whether through officers, visitors, or inmates who leave for work assignments.

A dress rehearsal was conducted to practice tactical movements during security checks and assess the response of the security dogs to commands.

The Tiwonisam dog school showcased various tactics performed by their trained dogs.

During a simulated "tactical support for attack" demonstration, riders attempting to bypass police checkpoints were successfully apprehended with the assistance of the dogs.

Furthermore, the security dogs stopped and searched a vehicle carrying multiple pieces of luggage, sniffing out suspected substances that led to subsequent arrests by the police.

The K9 Security Service will also provide support during patrols conducted by the security services.

Director of Service and Acting Operations at the Prison Service, DOP. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, emphasized the importance of K9 units.

She highlighted that dogs have the ability to save lives and mentioned their usage in crime prevention outside Ghana.

“The initiative of the K9 will  ensure that contraband is not introduced in the prisons either by officers or visitors or the prisoners themselves who go out to work…at check point the dogs will be used to check cars .

“The issue of bribery will be a thing of the past because one cannot bribe a dog. A dog only takes instructions and is trained to apprehend the culprit,” she added.

CSP Vitalis Aiyeh, Chief Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana Prison Service, provided further details regarding the Ghana Prison Service K9 unit.

The Ghana Prison Service K9 unit was established in November 2020 and comprises 13 officers, handlers, and two trainers.

These dedicated personnel work alongside trained dogs to enhance security within the prison service.

Furthermore, there are plans for a larger Joint Force K9 drill display, which is projected to occur by the end of the year.

This event will bring together various security forces, showcasing the skills and capabilities of their K9 units in a collaborative manner.