When it comes to policing in Ghana, having the right vehicle for patrol is incredibly important. The Ghana Police Service has a large fleet of cars, with various types of vehicles suited for different needs.
Recently, the police were given the Toyota Camry, specifically the LE variant. The Camry, with its 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine, provides 203 horsepower and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. On paper, it’s a great car for city driving, with its smooth ride, comfortable cabin, and easy handling. It’s a car that works well in places like Accra as a good daily driver, where most of the roads are paved and smooth.
But when we look beyond what we are used to especially considering Ghana’s challenging & poor road networks, the Camry might not be the ideal vehicle for police patrols, especially in rural areas and Zongo communities. One of the biggest issues with the Camry is that it’s a sedan, which means it has a low ride height and soft suspension, designed for comfort rather than off-road durability or taking very tough bumps. Ghana is known for its poor road conditions, especially in rural communities which are areas with high crime rates.
Roads in these regions can be full of potholes, dirt tracks, and sometimes no roads at all. In situations like these, a sedan like the Camry could easily get stuck or damaged. The soft suspension system, which works well on smooth urban roads, would struggle to handle the rough terrain found in more remote areas. During police pursuits or in emergency situations, the Camry might not be able to withstand the shocks, bumps, and jolts that come with high-speed chases on poorly maintained roads. That’s where the Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara pickups come in. These vehicles are built differently.
They have strong, durable frames, reinforced suspension systems, and higher ground clearance, making them better suited for Ghana’s challenging roads. They can handle rough terrain, dirt roads, and even off-road situations with ease. They are designed to be tough, reliable, and capable of going anywhere, which is essential for a police vehicle in a country like Ghana. Their ability to withstand tough conditions, especially in rural areas where crime is high, makes them ideal for the police to carry out their work. They are also more suitable for pursuits in these areas, where officers might need to navigate bumpy roads or uneven paths to catch suspects or respond to emergencies. The reality is that police work often requires quick responses and fast movement, especially in places where criminal activity is high. In areas like Zongo communities, where roads are often not well-maintained, vehicles need to be able to handle rough surfaces, sudden stops, and high-speed turns.
The Nissan Navara and Toyota Hilux, with their rugged design, are better equipped for these types of challenges. They also offer more space for officers to carry equipment and for suspects to be safely transported if needed. It’s also important to consider the kind of vehicles our top officials use. For example, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) relies on a Toyota Land Cruiser, a vehicle known for its off-road capability and durability. The IGP needs a vehicle that can handle all types of terrain, from smooth city roads to rough backcountry tracks. The Land Cruiser’s rugged nature is perfect for ensuring the safety and reliability needed for high-profile officers. If the IGP, the highest-ranking officer in the police service, chooses such a durable vehicle, it’s clear that the police service needs reliable vehicles that can withstand difficult conditions, too.
While the Toyota Camry does have its strengths, especially in city areas, it’s not necessarily the best fit for Ghana’s police service when you take into account the diversity of roads across the country. The sedan’s smooth drive and comfort may be ideal for urban areas, but when the police need to go off-road or face challenging conditions, it falls short.
A mix of vehicles like the Camry for city patrols and the Navara or Hilux for rural and off-road duties would ensure that the Ghana Police Service has the right tools for every job. In conclusion, while the Camry might be a good vehicle for certain parts of Ghana, it’s not the most practical choice for a police patrol car in a country with such a variety of road conditions. The Nissan Navara and Toyota Hilux pickups, with their rugged design and suspension setup, are far better equipped to handle the challenges of Ghana’s roads, especially in rural areas and communities where crime rates are high. The police service needs reliable, tough vehicles that can respond quickly to emergencies, even in difficult conditions. So, the ideal fleet for the Ghana Police Service would be one that combines the best of both worlds: a mix of the Camry’s comfort for city patrols and the toughness of pickups like the Navara and Hilux for off-road and rural patrols.
