House expresses concern about spate of armed robbery

Accra (Greater Accra), 22nd July 99

Parliament on Wednesday expressed grave concern about the spate of armed robbery in recent times and said one sure way to curb it is to reduce arms proliferation in the country.

Members were of the view that the use of arms by unauthorised people poses a big threat to the security of the state, and urged the security agencies to do everything possible to retrieve those arms.

Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, NPP-Asante Akim North who made a statement on armed robbery in his constituency headlined "Armed Robbery - Threat to Local Investors - Konongo/Odumase Experience", recounted the "bitter experience" of people in the twin-town of Konongo/Odumase in the early hours of Wednesday, June two.

Mr Baah-Wiredu said due to lack of arms and ammunition, the two police personnel on duty could not face the 10 armed robbers, "who were dressed in police uniforms".

He stressed the need for towns and villages to rekindle interest in watchdog committees to complement the efforts of the police in combating crime in the country.

Associating himself with the statement, Mr Samuel Oppong, NDC-Agona West, narrated a similar incident at Agona Swedru, where 10 shops were burgled quite recently.

While calling on communities to revive the Asafo companies, Mr Oppong urged district assemblies to assist watchdog committees with logistics to enable them to guard and protect life and property.

Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Minority Chief Whip and MP for Subin, said armed robbery poses a dangerous threat to national security and called for a non-partisan approach to address the issue.

Dr Kwabena Adjei, Majority Leader and MP for Biakoye, said the nation's protection against crimes is the responsibility of all and sundry.

Dr Adjei pointed out that without the human factor, the nation cannot move forward, and charged Ghanaians to do away with their apathetic attitude towards wrongdoing in the society.

Mr Mumuni Abudu Seidu, Majority Chief Whip and MP for Wa Central, blamed the spate of armed robbery in recent times on the use of imported arms.

Mr Francis Kwasi Buor, NPP-Offinso South, said armed robbery is a fast-spreading social canker that requires vigorous and effective measures to eliminate it.

GRi?/