Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong Boanuh has promised to support the Upper East Regional Police Command in their attempts to clamp down on the incessant highway robberies in the region.
Speaking to JoyNews’ Albert Sore, at Pusu-Namongo near Pwalugu in the Talensi district, he said that he had noticed the regional command has some plans in place following the increase in robberies.
However, it is essential to review the plans, strengthen them to ensure they can effectively help put a stop to the robberies, IGP Boanuh said.
“Well I am here in the region to look at the strategy the regional command is using to respond to the recent robberies, I am going to sit down with them and other senior officers and re-strategise, see what measures we can put in place…we will see what assistance we can give them to ensure the crimes do not occur again,” he added.
His comment comes after recent robbery attacks at Pusu-Namongo, Katiu, Sandema and parts of the Bongo District as well as Bolgatanga, have left many citizens living in fear.
Two weeks ago, the driver of a truck carrying tomatoes was murdered during a robbery attack while another carrying bags of cement was attacked and killed on the same day, on the Pwalugu Stretch of the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway.
Later, a cattle dealer was attacked and murdered by armed robbers while some market women were also robbed and some allegedly raped last week. Both incidents occurred on the Katiu-Chiana road in the Chiana-Paga district.
Also, motorbike snatching and armed robbery have been rife in recent times at the capital Bolgatanga.
Special Anti-robbery teams had been sent to the region to beef up police operations.
Meanwhile, some residents called for the transfer of the Upper East Regional Police Commander if he was not up to the task.
But the IGP said he and members of the police hierarchy were in the region to see for themselves, how the operations to clamp down on the robbers are going.
“I can assure the general public that we are doing whatever we can and we will go to whatever lengths to ensure that the public is safe,” he added.
Also speaking to journalists during the IGP’s visit, the Director of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, Supt. Sheila Buckman said police escorts are being provided for Tomato sellers who are the target of the robberies.
She urged the public to take personal safety more seriously adding that drivers should also consider travelling in groups.
“Whatever arrangement that groups already had that they had let their guard down on, let us have these arrangements with the police so that we can all be safe. For instance, in the case of Tomato sellers, police will provide escorts but it is not possible to escort one truck."
"We definitely need a number of trucks so that the police who are escorting are also covered. We cannot put one or two police officers in just one truck and leave their back uncovered.”
Latest Stories
-
Lordina Mahama presents medical supplies and equipment to Tishigu Health Center
15 mins -
Lordina Mahama urges Ghanaians to prioritise regular health screenings
15 mins -
EC to reassess decision on presidential ballot printing next week – Dr Bossman Asare
40 mins -
Shark attacks surfer, 61, on Hawaiian island of Maui
40 mins -
29 Nigerian children may be sentenced to death for protesting against cost-of-living crisis
41 mins -
Nigerian becomes first black woman to lead major political party in the UK
1 hour -
Perception issues affecting Supreme Court – Nii Armah Addy
2 hours -
Armed men bolt with cash at Adabraka market in dramatic daylight robbery
2 hours -
Bawku Conflict: National Security fully aware of events – Bawku Naaba’s lawyer
2 hours -
Dodome to celebrate festival in a bid to construct traditional council facility
2 hours -
Bawku conflict: We’re playing with fire, gov’t must stamp its authority – Kofi Bentil
2 hours -
Supreme Court under Akufo-Addo is acting supranational – Tony Aidoo
2 hours -
Israeli Ambassador Designate tours Jewish education centres in Ghana
3 hours -
Climate harm affecting mothers, babies is one of the warnings being directed at COP29 decision-makers
3 hours -
Bawku conflict: You cannot exile someone from his hometown – Member of Nayiri Legal Team
3 hours