Ngleshie Amanfro residents fear renewed armed robberies amid lack of police presence

Residents of Ngleshie Amanfro are expressing growing concerns over a resurgence of armed robberies in their communities.

They recall that similar issues were resolved by the previous Inspector General of Police (IGP) and his team, but now the robbers have resumed their activities.

Back in 2015, communities within Ngleshie Amanfro in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region were plagued by a series of devastating armed robbery attacks.

Criminals exploited the poor road network and lack of police presence to terrorize the residents.

At the time, hardly a week passed without a reported robbery in areas like Top Town, American Farm, Assemblies, Peace Town, Elder Dua, Azonto, and White House.

When the situation was brought to the attention of the then IGP, Dr. Mohammed Alhassan, he quickly assigned the Greater Accra Regional Commander, COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu, to assess the situation.

The police team visited the community to gather intelligence and devise a strategy to address the problem.

A week later, Dr Alhassan led a large convoy of police armored vehicles into the community, turning it into a temporary combat zone.

He was accompanied by his commanders, including the current IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and his deputy, Christian Tetteh Yohunu.

During their visit, they met with chiefs, leaders of landlord associations, and residents to discuss ways to improve security.

Shortly after, a police strike force was deployed to the area, leading to the mass arrest of suspects.

The residents of Ngleshie Amanfro enjoyed a period of restored security, with the freedom to move about day or night without fear.

However, that sense of security has now been shattered by a new wave of robbers who use motorbikes to target their victims, especially during dawn and late evening hours.

Tuesdays and Fridays, market days in Kasoa, have become particularly dangerous as robbers prey on traders heading to the market early in the morning.

These areas lack street lighting, and the robbers take advantage of the darkness, hiding behind parked motorbikes and attacking unsuspecting passersby with knives and other weapons.

Streets such as Methodist Junction, Heaven Way on Assemblies Road, Oriens Junction, and the White House area have become hotspots for robberies.

According to sources at the Amanfro police station, there have been few reported cases, making it difficult for the police to apprehend the culprits, though they have promised to investigate.

The situation has become a major challenge for residents who need to leave home early to avoid traffic in Kasoa and reach their offices in Accra on time. Those returning home late are also at risk, as police patrols are no longer visible in these communities.

Interestingly, residents believe that the current IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and his deputy, Christian Tetteh Yohunu, who previously curtailed serious robbery attacks in the area, still have the solution to their security challenges.

They are hopeful that the two will once again step in to restore peace and safety to Ngleshie Amanfro.

Source: Myjoyonline