By Rebecca Ampah
Star Oil Ghana has donated GH¢1 million to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to support the construction of a new cell facility at the CID headquarters.
The proposed three-storey building will accommodate male and female detention cells, offices for some units, a conference room and a cafeteria for officers.
Speaking at the presentation, the CID boss expressed gratitude to Star Oil, explaining that the department had been operating without a detention facility at its headquarters for some time.
“For a while now, we’ve not had that facility within these headquarters,” she said, adding that the situation had compelled officers to send suspects to other police stations, which were also dealing with their own operational demands.
The CID boss said plans to construct the facility began last year, with the project formally launched earlier this year during the department’s annual Wassa celebration. She explained that construction was delayed by the rainy season but commenced after the rains subsided in August.
She expressed optimism that the facility would ease pressure on the department and improve its operations, noting that the building would provide dedicated spaces for detention and other essential activities.
The Chief Executive Officer of Star Oil said the company’s decision to support the project was informed by its working relationship with the CID and the department’s contribution to securing its business operations.
Star Oil currently operates about 280 fuel stations across Ghana, making security an important aspect of its operations.
The CEO said collaboration with the CID had helped the company adopt a remote security system, reducing its reliance on physical security personnel at some locations.
“One of the important contributions the CID has made to our business is because of the nature of collaboration we have with them,” he said.
He added that the arrangement had been beneficial to the company in terms of cost savings and the welfare and security of its personnel.
The Star Oil CEO said the donation was a way of supporting an institution whose work directly benefited the company and other businesses operating across the country.
The CID boss, meanwhile, reiterated her appreciation to Star Oil and other partners supporting the construction project, expressing hope that the facility would strengthen the department’s capacity to carry out its responsibilities.
According to the project manager, the project is estimated to cost GH¢11 million and is expected to be completed within one year.
