Ghanaian Canadian Law Enforcement Officers Encourage Youth to Join Police Force

The Association of Ghanaian Canadian Law Enforcement Officers (AGCLEO) is urging young people, particularly those in black communities, to consider a career in law enforcement.

The association emphasizes the numerous opportunities within the police force, beyond the honour of serving one’s community and country.

The appeal was made during a career information session at the Living Word Assembly of God Church in Toronto. The event, organised by AGCLEO, saw the participation of officers from various departments of the Toronto Police Service (31 and 23 Divisions).

The York Regional Police Recruitment Team provided attendees with an overview of the recruitment processes for various roles, including Police Constables, Correctional Officers, Special Constables, Civilian Professionals, and volunteers.

Staff Sergeant Don Yirenkyi, President of AGCLEO and Officer in charge of York Regional Police Intimate Partner Violence Unit (Domestic Violence), acknowledged that while becoming a police officer can be challenging at times, aspirants should remain persistent.

Among those present were Freddy Yeboah (Board member of AGCLEO and Regional Incident Manager at the Ministry of Solicitor General), Corporal Richard Amoatey (Board member of AGCLEO and a member of the RCMP), Constable Mark Affum (Board member of AGCLEO and a member of RCMP), Constable Eric Boateng (Board member and a member of Peel Regional Police), Constable Leo Addo (Toronto Police) and Special Constable Emmanuel Gambrah (Toronto Housing Corporation).

The York Police team included Sergeant Pozzobon, Special Constable Maz Wahid (Supervisor – Talent Acquisition), Special Constable Chris Bianchi, and Auxiliary member Jashan Chaudry. The Toronto Police team included Constable Ingram and Constable Kumar.

Formed in 2020, AGCLEO currently boasts 56 members. Its primary objectives include bridging the gap between law enforcement and the Ghanaian/racialized community and assisting the Ghanaian community in Ontario with law and security concerns through collaborative partnerships and community events.

In addition to providing support, counselling, and professional advice to its members, AGCLEO is committed to promoting law enforcement as a viable career choice for members of the black community.

Source: Ebenezer Amankwah and Emmanuel Ayiku, Toronto – Ontario