The Ngleshie Amanfro District Police Command is sounding the alarm over a rising wave of armed robbery attacks in the area and is urgently seeking support to tackle the situation.
This was disclosed in an interview by the District Crime Officer, DSP Justice Bright Amfo.
According to him, the police station lacks essential logistics to operate effectively. He revealed that the station is overwhelmed by land-related violence and chieftaincy clashes, compounded by the large size of its jurisdiction.
At least three vehicles, six motorbikes, and bulletproof vests are needed to respond promptly to distress calls and pursue armed robbers.
Additional personnel are also required to strengthen police ranks and improve patrol coverage, which would foster better community relations and enhance intelligence gathering on potential threats.
The increasing number of arrests has also created pressure on the command, which urgently needs secure cells to safely hold suspects without risk of escape or harm to others.
DSP Amfo urged Amanfro community leaders to provide land for the construction of a police visibility post with 24-hour surveillance. He also advised residents to form watchdog committees to complement police efforts in combating crime.
He assured that with the provision of the needed resources, the police would be able to apprehend those behind the brazen attacks, which have become increasingly frequent, leaving many residents vulnerable and insecure.
Daylight robberies have also been reported, particularly when residents are away at work. Robbers have been breaking into homes once they detect the absence of occupants. Both armed and petty robberies have become widespread, heightening fear among residents.
Recent victims include 21-year-old mobile money vendor Desmond Adzah, who was shot and killed in a suspected robbery attack at Quarters Junction in Ngleshie Amanfro a few months ago. Another vendor, Doris Amponsah, was attacked and robbed of her daily sales after being threatened at gunpoint.
Still traumatised, she expressed frustration that police had not visited the crime scene to collect evidence that could aid investigations.
In another case, 35-year-old mobile money operator Famous Fiabgbe was robbed at gunpoint and shot multiple times in the legs, with GH¢120,000 stolen. A senior editor with the Graphic Communications Group, Mr. Emmanuel Bonney, also had his house ransacked.
Mobile money vendors have been particularly targeted by robbers operating on motorbikes, armed with guns. As key players in the community’s financial system, many of them now live and work in fear. Some have either shut down or close early, creating economic disruptions.
Residents are demanding urgent action from the Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu, to increase police presence, strengthen community relations, and enhance security measures.
They recall that in 2015, when COP Yohunu served as Greater Accra Regional Commander, his efforts brought relief after a wave of robberies plagued the area, leading to mass arrests.
Residents say that sense of safety has now been shattered by a new surge of robberies, with motorbike-riding assailants targeting victims in the early mornings and late evenings. Market days, especially Tuesdays and Fridays in Kasoa, have become particularly dangerous as traders are often preyed upon on their way to market.
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