This follows the upsurge in armed robbery attacks that has claimed some lives and resulted in the loss of money.

[contextly_sidebar id=”jXHwuRkZTY1b3tekIUxET6UtpXFvZja2″]The Manhyia North MP told Citi News the Police must use all the necessary measures to curb the recent cases of violent crime.

“We are in constant touch with them, this is not the first time that we want to summon the IGP or the Interior Minister. The committee is meeting to assess the situation critically and if the need be, we will haul them before the committee to throw more light on some of the mechanisms they’ve put in place,” he said.

Robbers on rampage

This week has seen a number of robbery incidents, especially in Accra.

The incidents include one at Tema Industrial Area that saw a Lebanese, gunned down, and GHS 200,000 he had withdrawn from a bank taken.

Forex bureaux and mobile money points have also been major targets in these recent robberies.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Asante Apeatu, this week announced that the police arrested a group of suspected robbers believed to be behind attacks on about 20 forex bureaux in the Spintex road area in 2018.

Soldiers to help fight ruthless armed robbers – Gov’t

In response to the heightened insecurity, government has said that it’s ‘Operation Calm Life’ initiative, which has seen a collaboration between the police and military personnel providing security in parts of the country, will be given a boost.

It also announced several other initiatives all in a bid to improve security.

‘We’re ready to die’

Despite these attacks some of which have also been recorded in Accra and Tema, COP George Akufo Dampare, who was Director of Operations until on Thursday when he was reassigned to the Research and Planning unit of the Police Service, has said although his outfit is logistically deficient, they are ready to put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of every Ghanaian.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Dampare also noted that the support of the citizens will go a long way to help the Police Service combat the increasing rate of crime in the country.

“We want to give them [citizens] the assurance that we will go every length, including losing our lives to make them safe. We understand that we are not there yet, in terms of the full complement of our equipment. We also understand that over the years, government after government has made an attempt to bring us to a particular level in terms of equipment,” he said.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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In all, 11 reassignments were made according to a statement signed by the Director-General of Police Public Affairs, ACP David Eklu.

The statement said Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Director General of Police Operations, will now head the Police Research and Planning Department.

He is to be replaced immediately by the Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Simon Afeku.

Rev. David Nenyi Ampah-Benin, Central Regional Commander is now the Director-General of Police Special Duties.

The massive shake-up in the police service comes on the back of calls from the public for more police action in the face of a surge in armed robbery cases in the country, particularly day-light robberies.

Below is the full list of the reassignments:  

Robbers on rampage

Mobile money vendors and forex bureaux appear to be most the targeted in the recent operations of the robbers.

On Tuesday, there were two robbery attacks in the North Kaneshie area which left some persons injured.

A Lebanese businessman was on Wednesday shot and killed by a group of armed robbers in broad daylight at the Tema Industrial Area after he withdrew some amount of money from a bank. The robbers made away with GH¢200,000 in that operation.

There have also been a number of robbery attacks in some parts of Accra and Koforidua in recent days.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Full list of Ghana Police reassignments appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, in an interview with Citi News argued that the security situation in the country has worsened under the watch of Mr. Asante-Apeatu as he seems to be doing little to address the problem.

[contextly_sidebar id=”U43GFNPaunFZThq8oTKK5RKCVTkSMshf”]The demand comes at a time when the country has witnessed brazen attacks by armed robbers on companies and individuals in broad daylight.

Mobile money vendors and forex bureaux appear to be most the targeted in the recent operations.

A Lebanese businessman was on Wednesday shot and killed by a group of armed robbers in broad daylight at the Tema Industrial Area after he withdrew some amount of money from a bank. The robbers made away with GH¢200,000 in that operation.

The developments have generated a lot of discussion among the Ghanaian populace, evoking a sense of fear and insecurity among the citizenry.

While the Police have tried to explain that it was doing its best to ensure the safety of citizens, many continue to share their harrowing experiences of armed robbery attacks at their homes and on the streets, and how they feel the police did not do enough to assist them.

Ahmed Ibrahim, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Banda Ahenkro constituency in the Brong Ahafo Region said, it was time for the IGP is replaced with a new police chief.

“Immediately this IGP assumed office, there were cries from other sectors that he might not be able to deliver. And now, with what we are seeing in the country within this short period, even within January and March, it has been worse. If we sit down to be told by the IGP that security is under control, it points to the fact that he himself is not aware of the problem. Therefore once he doesn’t know the problem, he cannot solve it,” the MP said.

“If the IGP is not aware that Policemen are dying, expatriates are dying, businessmen are being attacked, Forex bureaus are being attacked, we are losing investor confidence [its unfortunate]. It looks as if we are retrogressing in terms of security, and therefore the first person to be chased is the Police IGP because he is supposed to be on retirement and they brought him on contract. If you come and contract and you are not bringing anything new on the table, go and a new person will come with new ideas and new policies and the security situation we may be able to bring it under control,” he added.

‘Robbery cases won’t get better soon’

Meanwhile, a security analyst, Dr. Kwesi Aning, has stated that the alarming rate of arm robberies in the country will not improve anytime soon.

In an interview on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, he said, the situation will get much worse before it gets better.

“My point is that many more of this will happen, this is going to get considerably worse before it starts to turn,” he said, adding that the country has not invested enough into its security.

“I have said this the last three years and proven over time that because we have not invested in our law enforcement area, in terms of the manpower, the equipment, and in terms of the fact that we don’t do any crime surveys, that these things will happen and it is coming to pass,” he said.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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One police officer was shot dead, while another was injured by some assailants.

The suspects were said to be on a robbery mission in the area, but shot the policemen to prevent him from thwarting their operation.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Y7yHq39KAsCrgeErPGVwvJIt3UyNPOwa”]The two assailants, who came to the area on an unregistered motorbike abandoned it, snatched an unregistered Hyundai Elantra saloon vehicle, and sped off towards Mallam Junction direction.”

Briefing the media on the matter today [Thursday], the Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Asante-Apeatu, said the five suspects included the two who shot the police officers.

“…Five persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of constable Daniel Owusu, who was shot dead by armed robbers in Accra on 13^th July 2017, while he was performing a patrol duty.”

“They are Benjamin Nii Lantey Flexi Boye, age, 27, Kassim Mukaila alias Ekpe, 30 years, Laila Mohammed, 20 years, Musah Ibrahim, alias Moses can do, 27, and Abass Abdulai, 36. Kassim Mukaila and alias Ekpe and Musah Ibrahim were the suspects who shot, but went into hiding immediately after the incident until recently when they were arrested,” he added.

Two Kwabenya fugitives, two armed robbers arrested

The IGP also announced that, two of the seven suspects who escaped from the Kwabenya Police station last Sunday, after armed assailants broke into the station and released them, have been rearrested.

He said they were arrested at Worawora in the Volta Region.

He also added that three persons who aided the escape of the fugitives, including a 28-year-old woman, have also been arrested.

“We have since arrested two of the fugitives on Tuesday 23rd January at Worawora in the Volta Region. They are Atta Kwadwo and Prince Osei. Also, two accomplices who aided the escape of the fugitives were arrested in Accra on Monday 22nd January 2018, and yesterday [Wednesday], 24th January 2018,” the IGP said.

He noted that “these include a 28-year old woman named Nancy Bentah alias Awura Ama. The other is George Yeboah Ackah, aka Kwesi Shower, adding that, “One more person, Kofi Acheampong, alias Nana Owuo, aged 32, was also arrested at Afienya.”

He also said a GHc15,000 reward package has been set aside for persons who may give the police information leading to the arrest of the rest of the criminals.

“A reward of GHc15, 000 awaits any person who gives credible information leading to their arrest.”

Heightened fears

Such cases of attack on police officers seem to have heightened fears in the country with a number of people feeling insecure.

The IGP also used the opportunity to allay such fears, saying the country is safe.

“I take this opportunity to once again assure the good people of Ghana and the international community to remain calm, and support the Ghana Police,” Mr. Asante-Apeatu added.

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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

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Why can’t your men enforce the ban on fire crackers?

Each year, your administration sends out public reminders on the ban on importation of fire crackers, accompanied with various threats of prosecution. Invariably, each year the sale of such explosives seems to shore up. I have no official statistics to prove this sir, but a casual walk through the country’s markets and street corners will paint a clear picture.

I have actually been wondering where all these crackers come from when a ban has been in place since 2009. And yes, your office never forgets to remind us of it. This year, a statement from your office on this issue read in part, “to ensure strict compliance with this provision [firecrackers prohibition law], personnel who would be deployed for special operations during the festive seasons, would be tasked to arrest any person or group of persons who acts contrary to the instrument, for prosecution”. It went further to implore all persons hoarding the contraband to submit them to the police and avoid arrests.

In 2016, you had then not assumed office yet, but a similar task force was put together to enforce the ban. I am sure you are aware of this. The year before, same announcement (or reminders I should say) came through from the police. This routine goes back to the last 18 years, and needless to say, Sir, without results. But don’t you think eighteen years is too long a time for us to be saying the same thing over and for offenders to brazenly break the law?

I dare you and your men to tell us how many people you have arrested since the beginning of December 2017 when the sale of fireworks shot up significantly. You have remained this lax in executing the law, yet, expect people to walk up to you and “coolly” hand over their firecrackers to you? Sorry sir, it stopped working like that.

Please allow me a little leeway Sir. For a long time now, the New Year Day has been just another ordinary day for me and my family. Then mum told us something spectacular happens each December 31st night to usher in the New Year. Curiously, we stayed up late one night to witness this wonder. Alas! It was nothing spectacular; it was the thunderous sounds of fire crackers from church goers and merry markers, not just at the city’s notable pubs, bars and grills, but at each tiny drinking spot dotted in the nooks and crannies. They unleash into the sky, all sorts of fireworks from crackers our Parliament has long banned. This they do to usher in the new year. Sometimes, this continues for hours.

So sir, my point really is, if your men want to enforce this very law; it is so easy. You won’t have to go to neighbourhoods to round up anyone who looks like an armed robber. Traders audaciously display these prohibited crackers in the open. If you and your men are serious about arresting them and enforcing the law, your job is so easily cut out. Arrest the traders. Also, go to the churches, arrest the offenders. If others see our law works, they won’t dare break them.

But really, I have tried to comprehend how churchgoers decide to break a country’s laws right there at church. Maybe, instead of issuing a generalised public statement, why don’t you first write directly to these churches? Then you follow up and ensure the law is strictly adhered to?

Sir, if churchgoers on 31st night step into church without these crackers, you and your administration would made a win that has eluded this country for the last 18 years.

I am tired of running for my life from young children who indiscriminately fire these knockouts. I know I am not the only one. Can you and your men please enforce this law already!

I am a concerned citizen.

By: Eugenia A. Tenkorang/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Eugenia Tenkorang writes: Can Police enforce ban on firecrackers? appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to the Police, Mr. Mornah’s decision to hold the march against their advice could have occasioned a breach of peace and unlawful assembly.

[contextly_sidebar id=”QPYn8a3vuY9nYOt8BZ0y9FnDdB7v4Dm0″]Bernard Mornah and about 12 other people were arrested by the Nima Police on Saturday morning when they gathered as members of the Ghana-Togo Solidarity movement to hold a peaceful march to draw the attention of local and international authorities to the political crisis in Togo.

Reports say Mr. Mornah, who is the leader of the movement, failed to inform police about their action on the Kanda Highway today [Saturday], hence the action by police.

But Mr. Mornah denied the claim.

The Police, in a statement signed by the Director-General of Public Affairs ACP David Eklu said they arrested a total of 19 people on Saturday.

They also admitted that Mr. Mornah had duly notified them of the action and had initially been granted permission to carry out the march.

“The leader of the group, Mr. Bernard Mornah had earlier on served notice to the police of their intention of embarking on a demonstration of support of some Togolese nationals in Ghana who have been agitating for what they termed a change in government in Togo.”

“The police initially indicated their preparedness to provide the required security for the demonstration but based on an information received by the police that another group had planned to disrupted the demonstration as well as other operational exigencies the police had to handle, the leader of the group Mr. Bernard Mornah was advised to suspend the demonstration but he failed to heed the advice and went ahead to organize the group who assembled at Kawukudi park ready to embark on the demonstration,” the statement from the police said.

The police, in that statement copied to citifmonline.com failed to disclose details about the supposed group that planned to disrupt Mr. Mornah’s group’s march, however, it called on the public to cooperate with it during the Christmas season to ensure peace and security throughout the period.

“The Police administration is once again appealing to persons or group of persons who intend to embark on any public event especially during the Christmas period to cooperate with the police to ensure the security of the demonstrators as well as members of the public”

Counsel for Mr. Mornah, Raymond Atuguba had earlier written to the police to demand clarification about the detention of his client and details of any legal actions to be taken against him after what he terms as an “illegal arrest”.

It is unclear if Mr. Mornah is being processed for court.

26 Togolese arrested for illegal protest in Accra

In October 2017, 26 Togolese nationals were arrested for attempting to stage an unlawful demonstration over the political situation in their country.

According to the Accra Regional Police Operations Officer, Chief Superintendent Kwasi Ofori, about 300 Togolese had to be dispersed lawfully at the Kawukudi Park because their intended action was in clear breach of Ghana’s public order act.

That was the second time that Togolese in Ghana have tried demonstrating in solidarity with efforts back home by the opposition to have presidential term limits.

Togolese crisis

Togo’s opposition parties have over the past few months been demanding a return to constitutional term limits for the Presidency, and also for President Faure Gnassingbe to step down.

Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005 after the death of his father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled Togo for nearly 50 years.

The anti-Gnassingbe protests, that have seen hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets across the country, have resulted in over 15 people killed and scores injured.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Mornah disregarded our advice not to hold march – Police appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Brigadier Nunoo-Mensah served as Chief of Defence Staff under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council government in 1979, but was relieved of his post.

[contextly_sidebar id=”DKlRe71BmZj3M7dogLJ1dSeT0bGZ1uAt”]Following the revolution however, he was appointed to serve under the PNDC regime, led by Jerry John Rawlings, a position he left after some differences with the then Head of State.

According to Brigadier Nunoo-Mensah, who was speaking at the third event in the Accra Dialogue series at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Law Faculty on Wednesday, it should be possible for the heads of these crucial institutions to serve across different administrations in spite of whichever political party is in power, as he had done.

“President Rawlings was a good friend of mine, but I resigned from the government and left on principle. You must have something to believe in; be principled, and when those principles are challenged, stand on your feet. Here in Ghana, every President who comes fires the old one and brings in a new one. We’re Ghanaians, I’ve served in every government – in CPP, in the NPP and the NDC. I’m a patriot and a nationalist, why can’t I serve any other government?” he quizzed.

He believes that the practice of replacing officials like the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) whenever a new party comes into power was an unfortunate one that needs to be stopped.

“It’s wrong for us to come in and change IGPs and CDSs. They can overlap because we’re Ghanaians so who says that after serving in the previous NDC government, I can’t serve the NPP as well? I was Nana Addo’s closest friend in 1998, his campaign manager, so why can’t I serve NPP? I can serve anybody. I am a Ghanaian, and a patriot and I love my country. We shouldn’t be toying with our leaders, whether it’s the IGP or someone else. It’s wrong for you to come in and fire them, it doesn’t speak well of the country. They should also stand on their feet and go after anyone who does wrong, whether it’s NPP or the NDC.”

Brigadier Nunoo-Mensah called on persons appointed IGPs and CDSs to be more assertive and “stand their ground” whenever they are asked to compromise their principles.

He stated that, his refusal to settle on compromises while serving in successive administrations cost him his position, an action he does not regret.

“I’ve been fired twice already as Chief of Defense Staff and that’s why experience is always the best teacher. I’m asking the IGPs and the CDSs to be tough, but when you are tough, there’ll be consequences. Be prepared to stand on your feet. I was in the school which trained Winston Churchill and we were taught to be tough and principled. That’s what our leaders should be,” he noted.

“If you are a military man, or an IGP, you know your job. I was fired as CDS because I wouldn’t take anything because I was a principled person. The President then couldn’t take my principled position and fired me but I didn’t bother.”

The current IGP, COP David Asante-Apeatu and CDS, Major General Obed Akwa, were appointed by the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government after the previous occupants of the position who had been appointed under the previous administration retired.

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By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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According to him, such issues were highly complex situations that need to be tackled effectively.

He said the rise in IT-facilitated crimes has become one of the challenges confronting adjudication of criminal offences especially when presenting evidence at the law courts for criminal prosecution.

Mr. Apeatu stated that, cyber-crime has not only become one of the commonest and prevalent crimes in Ghana, but also added that the role of computers and the internet are significant in criminal activities such as human trafficking, drug, terrorism, cross-border crimes and money laundering.

[contextly_sidebar id=”LyAFC8zASAQTUvLN6AsrkDupQINAgPYD”]The IGP was speaking at the formal opening of the Digital Forensic Laboratory at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.

The facility will to equip the police force, other law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and businesses to deal with the menace of cyber-crime effectively.

The laboratory will also enable capacity building of the human resource in both the public and private institutions.

The Police Chief expressed concerns about the absence of “forensic-ready” IT infrastructure and systems at many institutions in Ghana, which will help identify and detect cyber-related issues when they occur.

He indicated that, cyber-related crimes have affected all sectors of the economy resulting in monetary loses and reputational damage to institutions that rely on some form of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in their day to day operations.

“Locally, the growth in the Information Technology sub-sector including the introduction of e-payment platforms and products, cashless systems, Mobile Money, e-learning, among others, has led to a significant rise in cyber-related threats.”

The inauguration of the Digital Forensic Laboratory coincided with this year’s National Cyber Security week on the theme “Securing Ghana’s Digital Journey”.

Ghana is one of the countries in the sub-regions with the finest cyber-crime legislation.

Specifically, the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772), is one of the legal instruments available to support investigations and prosecution of cyber-crime cases.
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By: Hafiz Tijani/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Mr. Apeatu who was appointed about seven months ago has reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.

[contextly_sidebar id=”JpqOfV4ugFVTXzTrIur7W66eZgQ3WwcW”]Mr. Apeatu who took over from Mr. John Kudalor has so far carried out four different reshuffles within the period.

In the latest shake-up, Mr. Apeatu made changes within his senior officers.

Among the officers who were affected included the Director General of ICT, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, was appointed as the Director General of Operations.

Dr. Dampare replaced COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno who was also been appointed the Director General in charge of Special Duties.

COP Prosper Ablorh who was the Director General, Special Duties was also appointed the Director General Welfare.

ACP Anthony Aidoo was also appointed the Director General, ICT.

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By: Franklin Badu Jnr/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Nana Addo extends tenure of retiring IGP by two years appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, the current logistical challenges makes it difficult for the Police to fight crime effectively and as well protect its men.

[contextly_sidebar id=”KjXo2zBKboqntyda1r3SGvjzoyx34GHm”]About five policemen have been shot in line of duty over the last three months, with the recent one being the killing of a police constable at Lapaz in Accra on Thursday.

The Police administration has offered GH10,000 to any person who provides information on the arrest of the two suspects responsible for the incident.

Speaking to Citi News’ Franklin Badu Jnr, the IGP called for more support for the police to protect its officers against criminals.

“We are always working in danger. We very much appreciate it. This is not peculiar to Ghana alone and it behooves us to manage this situation to the best of our abilities. The people of our country are peace loving people that is why they have enacted laws and they have asked us to champion in ensuring that there is peace in the society so that they can go about their business; and we the champions if things like these can be done to us then what cannot be done to the ordinary person?” he asked.

“…And that is why we are not going to leave any stone unturned in getting to the bottom of this case. It also calls to fore the evaluation of our officer safety needs and this what we are going to do. In certain countries police officers do not bear arms at all, and now they are changing their attitudes towards some of these situations. It is true that we have some logistical challenges and this is what we are going to address,” Mr. Apeatu said.

A number of police officers have lost their lives in gun battle with suspects. On Thursday, two armed men were shot in broad day light at Lapaz in Accra when they attempted foiling a robbery attack.

Barely a month ago, a Policeman believed to be in his 30s was also shot dead by two armed men. The officer, Michael Kporye, was shot in the face and in the chest at Tulaku near Michel Camp, in the Greater Accra Region.

A few weeks later, Lance Corporal Kwaku Mensah, who was stationed at Anwiankwanta in the Bekwai Municipality, sustained several gunshot wounds when gunmen attacked a vehicle he was traveling on.

The vehicle was attacked by gun-wielding robbers at about 10 pm.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post We lack safety equipment to protect our officers – IGP appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.