Group Expresses Concern Over Recent Hike In Crime Incidents
Up your game to fight crime in the country – youth group tells IGP
A group calling itself Concerned Youth Ghana has sent a strongly worded statement to the Inspector General of Police to act on the rising situation of crime in the country.
Their call comes on the back of several cases of robbery and other related crimes. The most recent of such robbery cases saw the loss of lives at James Town in Accra when a bullion van was attacked by gunmen.
Read full statement below
SECURITY AND COMBATING CRIME: THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE MUST DO THE HONOURABLE THING IMMEDIATELY
Concerned Youth of Ghana (CYG) is dumbfounded and stunned with the recent spate of insecurity in the Republic.
Violent crime in Ghana is on the rise and criminals usually uses weapons like locally manufactured pistols, shotguns and rifles to perpetuate the act. (reliable source states, about 70% of arms retrieved from crime scenes are locally produced).
The National Small Arms Commission and Kofi Annan Peace Keeping and Training Centre estimates that there are close to 2million unregistered firm arms in Ghana of which only 40, 000 people were able to reregister in recent times. How can we properly recuperate all these illicit firearms?
Street crime, Mobile money robbery at gunpoint, pickpocketing, purse and mobile phone snatching and scams are common nowadays. As armed robbers raid forex bureau so close to the Police Headquarters in broad day light in Accra, bullion vans with police escort are attacked and ambulances are not spared.
CYG is not enthused with Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh’s leadership as mandated by Article (202) section (2) of the 1992 constitution.
(The Inspector General of Police shall be head of the Police Service and shall, subject to the provisions of this article and to the control and direction the Police Council, be responsible for the operational control and the administration of the Police Service).
It is sad to state that, since President Akufo-Addo (in October 2019) offered Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh two (2) years contract extension, to become the substantive Inspector General of Police nothing significant has changed in maintaining law, order and combating crime.
As we notice modern ways and the changing dynamics underpinning crime in our society, we are yet to see any blueprint or strategic plan by Mr. Oppong-Boanuh’s administration to better protect lives and properties. And if the trend continues, the situation will degenerate, hence our call for the IGP to do the honourable thing or be sacked to make way for fresh, energetic and enthusiastic head of the Ghana Police Service immediately.
We believe this will send a strong signal to criminals and go a long way to boost public confidence in the fight against crime.
Ghana Police Service needs technologically retooling, intelligence to meet modern crimes. Training and motivation is the only lifeline or currency that will resource and save this sharp deteriorating security treat.
Considering the huge youth unemployment, high cost of leaving, taxes, bills, corruption and scandals among elite politicians, collapse of jobs like banking sector, galamsey and as a result of the Pandemic, government must do more beyond rhetoric to fix the mess.
Our hearts goes out to the bereaved family of the victims of the James Town bullion van robbery.
Public Safety Advise from Our Security Desk
- Don’t walk alone (walk with friends) and with your head upright.
- Avoid shortcuts.
- Don’t display electronics when not in use.
- Pay attention to your surrending when using electronics on the street or bus. Don’t walk and text.
- Avoid Night travels.
- Don’t approach vehicles even when occupants need assistance like direction.
God Bless Our Homeland Ghana.
-END-
Signed
Kelvin Malor
(Organizer)
024-599-5541
David Albert Quainoo
(International Relations)
+82-10-2117-4780
Betty Boafo
(Secretary)
024-487-0055
Kofi Asante Mensah
(Convener)
Tel: 024-469-0262
Office: 0302-965-325
Source :Christiana Afua Nyarko
