Communities hail security measures to stop robbery attacks

The chiefs and people of Breku and Nnadieso, two communities, lying on the Kumasi-Accra Highway, have hailed the step-up efforts by the police to end frequent robbery raids in the area.

These communities are about two kilometres apart and the relatively short stretch between them had for some time now held a strong attraction for robbers because mobile phone users were unable to access network services there.

They took advantage of that to repeatedly attack travellers, seize their money and other valuables.

The people say they are no longer living in fear because of the strong police presence and intensified patrols.

The swift security response followed a Ghana News Agency (GNA) report on how the absence of phone network services had given armed a field day.

Journalists of the Agency had visited the area under STAR-Ghana’s sponsored media auditing and tracking of development projects, an initiative, launched to put a spotlight on the development challenges of the people.

Mr Kwaku Asamoah Agyei, assembly member for Breku, said one of the telecommunication companies, Millicom Ghana limited, operators of Tigo, had also intervened and erected a mast there to overcome the technical glitches that were making it difficult for phone users to receive network services in the area.

He said the security arrangements and the availability of telecommunication services had combined to bring a huge sense of relief to the people, adding that the nightmare was now over.

He described as refreshing the decision to build a Police Post there and said it would permanently banish the miscreants from the area.

He praised the GNA/STAR-Ghana Project for the invaluable service of bringing to the fore the threat and insecurity, both residents and travelers had endured over some time.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Samuel Sandow Latebu, the Asante-Akim South District Commander, said they would sustain their visibility and asked for continued cooperation and support of the people.