Operation Calm Life re-launched

Accra, Sept 29, GNA - As part of measures to combat the recent upsurge in armed robberies, Operation Calm Life was on Thursday re-launched to minimise the crime rate in Accra.

The operation, which would be carried out by personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service, would consist of coordinated exercises aimed at minimizing armed robbery and related crimes to their barest minimum.

These would take the form of a more holistic approach through a coordinated system of standing patrols, temporary and permanent roadblocks and checkpoints that would take place around the clock. Sheikh I. C. Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, said although "Operation Calm Life" was launched by the security agencies a couple of years ago, it had become necessary to re-launch it as a result of the resurgence of armed robberies.

He observed that although the security agencies had done their best, there was the need to re-think new combat strategies since the robbers were coming back with more sophisticated techniques.

The Minister said the new phase would be aggressive and robust without infringing on the civil rights of individuals.

"I apologise to sections of civil society that have been inconvenienced during military operations," he said, noting that those operations were, however, in the supreme interest of all peace lovers. He said the government was determination to provide the security agencies with logistic support and urged them to be professional, dedicated and hard working.

The Minister urged members of the public, who had information on armed robbers, not to be afraid of coming forward, adding that their identities would be protected.

Colonel Oppong Okyere, Acting Commander of the Southern Command, said the security agencies would do its utmost to rid the society of armed robbery and all other related crimes.

Some Military and Police personnel drove through some principal streets in Accra to mark the re-launch of the operation.