Incidence of lawlessness and violence increases robbery cases.

Bolgatanga, March 7, GNA - Mr. Bright Oduro, Upper East Regional Police Commander on Friday said the region recorded 2,355 criminal cases last year as against 3,157 in 2009. He said the 25.4 per cent reduction in criminal cases was as a result of the Police Service's commitment to maintain law and order as a constitutional mandate.

He also attributed the achievement in the decline of robbery cases to the stability in the Bawku ethnic conflict and the arrest of criminals responsible for motor bike snatching and highway robberies. "The peace enjoyed today in Bawku has been completed by the efforts of the National Security and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), and in the creation of Military and police checkpoints. Patrols have also been intensified, coupled with the imposition of a ban on use of motor bikes, and increased cooperation with the public," he emphasized. ACP Oduro made these revelations at the regional annual WASSA get together of senior officers and the rank and file of the police service in Bolgatanga.

The occasion which is set aside for the police to socialize, assess their achievements and weaknesses, was also to boost the morale of the personnel.

The Regional Police Commander said the incidence of armed robbery had reduced in the Region from the recorded 36 cases in 2009 to 15 at present. He said out of the 36, eight were highway robberies, seven occurring on the Bawku-Kulungugu road, while seven were cases of motor bike snatching which occurred in the Bawku and Garu environs.

He said highway robberies that normally occurred around Bolgatanga and Karimenga, Navrongo and the Sisilli River and Namong in the Bongo district, suddenly ceased last year.

He bemoaned the increasing spate of motor accidents saying 49 people died in 93 accidents in 2009, while 44 died in 105 accidents in 2010. He appealed to the drivers to avoid alcohol intake whilst driving and urged riders and their pillion to wear crush helmets and exercise due caution when using the roads.

He listed the lack of vehicular strength and frequent breakdowns as some of the factors militating against police patrol exercises, and called on the public, REGSEC and philanthropic organization in the region to come to their aid.

Mr. Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister, congratulated the Police for the diligent work in the promotion of peace in the region, and asked them to be more professional in their work in order not to loose their credibility. He said government placed high premium on the work of security personnel hence the salary adjustments, adding that government would not hesitate to provide additional incentives for personnel who performed well. He said the police would not be excluded in the STX housing facility when it takes off.