The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has vowed a crackdown on crime amid the killing of Momo vendors in the Ashanti region.
He announced several measures to enhance security, in the region to ensure that the crime rate is reduced in the region.
“We put a bounty on the heads of these suspected criminals so that anyone who comes out to provide us with any relevant information that will help us arrest them would at least get a handsome reward to be able to encourage people and informants to volunteer the information.’’
Dr. Frank Amoakohene Ashanti Regional Minister
The initiative aims to incentivize residents to share information that could lead to the arrest of these criminals, as many of the attacks have left the community in distress.
“Most of these cases, especially the ones that we have some footage, you realize that the motorbikes were not registered. And for that, it becomes difficult tracing them and all that.”
Dr. Frank Amoakohene Ashanti Regional Minister
To address this, a rigorous crackdown on unregistered motorbikes is set to take place, as these motorbikes are often used in robberies and other criminal activities.
Meanwhile, during a meeting with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the regional minister requested the support of the commission in dealing with insecurity in the region.
Weapon Detection System to Be Deployed
As part of the effort to rid the system of unlicensed firearms, Dr. Adam Bona, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Small Arms Commission raised concerns about the situation.
“It shouldn’t take too long. You are going to see us on your streets. You are going to see us in your backyard with our weapon detection system, scanning areas or scanning vehicles to be able to pick up weapons that are hidden in vehicles.’’
Dr. Adam Bona Acting Executive Secretary of the Small Arms Commission
Unlike regular metal detectors, this new system is designed to specifically identify weapons, even those concealed in buildings or vehicles.
This new approach is expected to significantly enhance efforts in retrieving illegal firearms and preventing violent crimes.
Moreover, the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Captain (Rtd) John Jabari, also expressed concern over the proliferation of firearms and its link to violent crimes, including assault and murder cases.
He emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between security agencies and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons to regulate the possession of firearms.
“So I had a meeting with them and charge of them to draw a program that we can partner with them so we can work on both at the licensing part of those weapons and then visiting those mining communities to see whether some of these people would have licenses to be [possesing these weapons] so that we can reduce those arms in those areas over so that Ghana can be safer.’’
Captain (Rtd) John Jabari Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator
The bounty on criminals is expected to encourage informants to assist in tracking down suspects. Additionally, the collaboration between the security agencies and the Small Arms Commission is seen as a crucial step in controlling illegal firearms and addressing the growing gun culture in the region. These measures aim to restore public confidence and enhance safety in the affected communities.
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