by Alex Osei-Boateng

ACCRA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo on Tuesday promised an effective police unit to tackle crimes.

Addressing Ghanaians on the 61st independence anniversary parade in Accra, Akufo-Addo promised his government's commitment to enable the police to discharge their duties effectively.

"We are providing the means for them to modernize their equipment, and learn modern methods of policing, and their numbers will be rapidly increased to match our growing population, and the sophistication and audacity of the criminals," he said.

"We dare not lose our reputation as a haven of peace and security. I urge you all to join in making sure there is no hiding place in our midst for those who would disturb our peace," said Akufo-Addo.

His assurance comes after the recent spate of armed robberies and murders across the country. The past week has seen a rash of brazen armed robberies, with two lives lost and a number of injuries recorded.

Ghana gained independence from British rule on March 6, 1957. At the Independence Square in Accra, troops drawn from the various security services as well as a unit of schoolchildren took part in a national anniversary parade to mark the day, which was also graced by the Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and thousands of Ghanaians.

Buhari, in a speech, lauded Ghana for taking giant steps to fight corruption, assuring Ghana of Nigeria's partnership to tackle the menace of endemic corruption.

Similar rallies were held throughout the country to commemorate Ghana's birthday.