Greater Accra police arrest 101 in Christmas security sweep

The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested 101 suspected offenders in a series of intelligence-led operations aimed at tightening security across the region during the Christmas festivities.

The arrests followed targeted patrols and stop-and-search exercises at identified crime-prone areas, including Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Nungua, Adabraka, Achimota, East Legon and the Railways enclave. Police say these locations were prioritised due to increased commercial activity and crowd movement during the holiday period.

According to the Command, the operations form part of the Ghana Police Service’s annual Christmas Special Operations, a nationwide security initiative designed to prevent crime, protect lives and property, and maintain law and order as communities engage in end-of-year celebrations.

Police sources indicated that the suspects were picked up for a range of offences, including possession of narcotic substances, suspected robbery-related activities, unlawful assembly and other criminal conduct. Items retrieved during the exercises are currently being examined as investigations continue.

The Police Command explained that the strategy typically combines day and night patrols, snap checkpoints, swoops on known criminal hideouts and collaboration with other security agencies to deter offences such as armed robbery, drug trafficking and assault, which often see an uptick during festive periods.

All 101 suspects remain in police custody and are assisting with investigations. They will be processed in line with the law, the Command said.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Greater Accra Regional Police Command assured residents that the Christmas Special Operations will be sustained throughout the festive season and into the New Year, while urging the public to stay alert and cooperate with the police to keep communities safe.