District assemblies asked to activate watch-dog committees

Paga(U/E), Aug. 28, GNA - Districts and Municipal Assemblies have been asked to reactivate community watch dog committees to help combat crime related activities in the Upper East Region. The watch dog committees if formed and given proper training and supported with logistics, could be of tremendous assistance in dealing with crimes such as armed robbery, cattle and donkey rustling, maintenance of law and order.

Mr. Thomas Addah Dalu, District Chief Executive of the Kassena Nankana West District, made the call during the second ordinary meeting of the third session of the Kassena Nankana West District at paga in the Upper East Region. He said as part of measures to deal with the nagging problems of fuel and fertilizer smuggling, the district executive committee had established a "District Security Task Force" (DSTF) to oversee the effective control of all crime related activities, and the general maintenance of law and order in the district. He said the control of crime and the achievement of a peaceful law abiding society is a collective responsibility. He said the Assembly has planned to provide offices for a police station and residential accommodation for the District Police Commander and other police staff.

Mr. Dalu said the assembly received funds from two donor supporting agencies, Canadian International Development Agency (CDA) and District wide Assistance Project (DWAP), amounting to a total of 190,000 Ghana Cedis for the implementation of infrastructural development projects in the area. The Presiding Member of the assembly, Mr. Martin Alichimah encouraged assembly members to take active part in revenue mobilization because the developmental agenda of the district could not depend only on the common fund. He appealed to members to join hands to mend the loopholes in the revenue collection which will boost the strength of the young district. Mr. Alichimah commended the executive committee and its sub-committee for being proactive.