Traditions impeding fight against crime in Wa

The Upper West Regional Police Command is blaming traditional systems for its inability to effectively fight crime in the region.

The Command said the “Te gyaa bonyeni” (we all one) adage among the people of the region, especially the Wala, was not helping in the fight against crime.

According to the Command, the people always report cases of robbery to them but when the police make arrests and initiate investigations, families of both complainant and accused would often invade the police station in the name of “Te gyaa bonyeni” and tells the police that they were no longer interested in pursuing the case in court.

“They would always come and tell the police that they want the case to be withdrawn and settled at home because both parties were related.”

The Upper West Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kwasi Mensah Duku, raised the concern at a media briefing in Wa, on Tuesday, to discard the negative perception residents in the municipality have about the police in recent times.

He said until the people stop that practice and change their attitude; the police would not be able to fight crime in the region.

The Regional Commander said the police was doing its best but needs the support of the public and the media to fight and reduce crime in the communities.

DCOP Duku said his outfit has put in place a number of measures, including the establishment of a police post at Fian, Kojokperi and Wahabu, along the Wa-Welembelle-Tumu road, to help reduce the rate of robbery. Police check points within the centre of the municipality had also been moved to the peripheral to help check the movement of criminals in and out of the Wa Township.

The Regional Commander pleaded with the public to support the police with information on the hideout of criminals, saying, it was only when the public cooperate effectively with the police that the fight to eliminate criminals could be achieved in the region.

DCOP Duku admitted that there were a few bad personnel within the police, and urged the public to feel free and report such criminals in the service.

He however urged the public to report such criminals directly to the Commander or his Deputy and avoid other sources that might not be helpful to them and advised the people to take their personal security seriously; pointing out that, the over-reliance on the police to provide all the basic security needs of the people was not the best.