The Ngleshie Amanfro District is grappling with a troubling surge in armed robbery incidents, prompting the local police command to issue an urgent appeal for resources and community support. The alarming frequency of these attacks has left residents feeling vulnerable and insecure, as criminals exploit gaps in law enforcement capabilities to carry out brazen acts of violence and theft.
In a recent interview, DSP Justice Bright Amfo, the District Crime Officer, shed light on the challenges faced by the police in combating this growing threat. According to DSP Amfo, the police station is critically under-resourced, lacking the essential logistics needed to operate effectively across its vast jurisdiction. The situation is further complicated by ongoing land disputes and chieftaincy clashes, which divert police attention and resources from addressing the escalating criminal activities.
A Dire Need for Resources
To adequately respond to distress calls and pursue armed robbers, the police command urgently requires at least three vehicles, six motorbikes, and bulletproof vests. These resources are essential for ensuring swift action and officer safety during high-risk operations. Additionally, the station is in dire need of secure holding cells to detain suspects without risking escapes or harm to others.
The shortage of personnel is another pressing issue. DSP Amfo emphasized the need for additional officers to strengthen patrol coverage, improve community relations, and enhance intelligence gathering. A stronger police presence would not only deter criminal activities but also foster trust between law enforcement and residents.
The Human Cost of Insecurity
The impact of these robberies has been devastating, with both lives and livelihoods at stake. Mobile money vendors, who play a crucial role in the community's financial ecosystem, have become prime targets for armed robbers. In one tragic incident, 21-year-old vendor Desmond Adzah was shot and killed during a suspected robbery at Quarters Junction. Another vendor, Doris Amponsah, was robbed at gunpoint and left traumatized by the lack of follow-up investigations.
In a particularly harrowing case, 35-year-old vendor Famous Fiabgbe was shot multiple times in the legs and robbed of GH¢120,000. Even private homes have not been spared; senior editor Emmanuel Bonney had his house ransacked by burglars. These incidents highlight the pervasive insecurity that now grips the community.
The fear among residents is palpable. Many mobile money vendors have either shut down their operations or reduced their working hours, disrupting local economic activities. Daylight robberies have become commonplace, particularly when residents are away at work, leaving homes vulnerable to break-ins.
A Call for Community Support and Leadership Action
DSP Amfo has called on community leaders to assist in addressing these challenges by providing land for the construction of a police visibility post equipped with 24-hour surveillance. Such a facility would serve as a deterrent to criminal activities and enhance the police's ability to monitor high-risk areas. He also urged residents to form watchdog committees to complement police efforts in combating crime.
The community's plea for intervention extends beyond local leadership. Residents are appealing to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu, to take decisive action. Many recall with gratitude the IGP's efforts in 2015 when, as Greater Accra Regional Commander, he spearheaded initiatives that significantly reduced crime in the area. His leadership then brought a sense of safety that has since been eroded by the current wave of robberies.
Market Days: A Hotspot for Criminal Activity
Market days in Kasoa, particularly Tuesdays and Fridays, have become perilous for traders traveling to and from the market. Criminals on motorbikes often target these individuals during early mornings and late evenings, knowing they carry cash or goods. This trend has further heightened anxiety among residents and disrupted economic activities.
A Path Forward
The challenges faced by the Ngleshie Amanfro District Police Command are emblematic of broader systemic issues that require urgent attention. Addressing this crisis will necessitate a multi-faceted approach involving increased resource allocation, stronger community-police partnerships, and decisive leadership from law enforcement authorities.
The safety and well-being of Ngleshie Amanfro residents depend on swift and coordinated action. With the right support and resources, the police can restore a sense of security and bring those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice. It is imperative that all stakeholders—community members, local leaders, and national authorities—come together to tackle this pressing issue head-on.
-Adomonline
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
