Oil boom fueling kidnappings in Western Region - Boakye-Djan

The recent spate of kidnappings in the Western Region is being motivated by the oil boom in that part of Ghana, Major Osaahene Kojo Boakye-Djan (Rtd), the former spokesperson for the defunct Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), has said.

The former military officer has, therefore, suggested that the police strengthen their intelligence network to combat the growing spate of abductions.

Recently, three girls have been kidnapped in the Regional Capital, Takoradi.

Nigerian-born Samuel Wilson Udoterg was arrested for allegedly masterminding the kidnapping of Ruth and many other teenage girls.

Speaking in an interview with Kwabena Prah Jnr. (The Don) on Ghana Yensom on Accra100.5FM, Wednesday, 23 January 2019, Major Boakye-Djan (Rtd), said: “It is economic in nature and the solution lies in information or intelligence gathering. Why is it in the Western Region and not in Oti Region or Northern Region?

“Because that is where our oil money is coming from. All the big boys are in the Western Region.”

He further stated that: “The government of the day must be held responsible for what is going on. At the heart of what is going on is the lack of processed information and intelligence that could lead to a conviction.

“Why have we not been able to pass the RTI Bill? People should march to the presidency and demand answers."

“If the RTI Bill is passed and is processed properly, it will help in intelligence gathering. This is not the ultimate solution but it is a good beginning of some good steps to take.”