Police warn against firecrackers

Bawku (U/E), Dec. 20, GNA - The police at Bawku has maintained that the ban on firecrackers was still in force and warned that offenders would be prosecuted when caught distributing or using them. In a joint police-military exercise, personnel went around some principal streets with the aid of the Municipal Information Services Department to announce to the general public, especially retailers to stop selling firecrackers to children.

Briefing the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the exercise, the Bawku Divisional Crime Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Isaac C. Akligbe noted with deep concern the sale of smuggled firecrackers to children in the municipality.

He explained that as the Christmas festivities draw closer, children have started blasting firecrackers, which had led to some injuries and damage to properties.

ASP Akligbe said the exercise was meant to remind the public that the ban was still in force as well as educating them on the harmful effects of firecrackers and its effects on lives and properties. He said after the education, offenders caught would be made to face the full rigours of the laws.

The Crime Officer called on parents and guardians to caution their wards to desist from blasting firecrackers, adding that parent and guardians could be held responsible for their wards' misdemeanor. He said the police would embark on a search exercise and those found to have firecrackers in their possession would be prosecuted and the items confiscated.