President Mills declares war on crime

Accra, Oct 29, GNA- President John Evans Atta Mills has charged the security agencies to step up investigations into the recent upsurge in crime and bring the felony wave under control.

He expressed grave concern about the reported gruesome incidence of armed robberies, citing a recent case in which a gang, after allegedly robbing a Tamale bound vehicle on the Kintampo road, raped the female passengers on the vehicle and forced a male passenger to sleep with his 14-year-old daughter he was sending to school.

Before a close-door a meeting with security captains held at the Osu Castle in Accra, President Mills regretted that the situation which went on a decline had rather seen resurgence in the recent past and it was necessary they were investigated to either prevent or combat them. The President said Ghanaians felt nothing but a revulsion against the incidence of crimes, adding that an environment of human safety and security should remain paramount to guarantee the national peace and for investment.

"Let's find the cause and deal decisively with the problem and allay the fears", President Mills said.

The President appealed to the public to co-operate with the security agencies and report suspicious characters.

He assured Ghanaians that the situation is under control. Later in an interview with journalists, Mr Koku Anyidoho, Head of Communications at the Office of the President, said the President was informed at the meeting that investigations so far carried out indicated that the reported incidence of robbery on the Kintampo-Tamale Road was false.

The meeting however condemned the incident and called on the people who were allegedly affected to come forward with information. Mr Anyidoho said Government would give additional resources to beef up general national security, and improve also the situation on the Kintampo-Tamale stretch of road which is seen as not very safe for travelers.

Government support for the security agencies would be comprehensively dealt with in 2011 Budget which is soon to be presented to the National Assembly.

Present at the meeting were Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye, the Inspector General of Police; Lt Gen Henry Smith (rtd), Minister of Defence; Brigadier General Peter Augustine Blay, Chief of Defence Staff; and Mr Robert Ayalingo of the Police CID. 29 Oct 10