The Western Region of Ghana has witnessed a significant drop in robbery cases, with only 13 incidents recorded in 2024.
This is a notable decrease compared to previous years. The Western Regional Police Command is attributing this success to its efforts in crime prevention and management.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Osei Akoto Arthur, the Western Regional Police Commander, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to changing the narrative on crime in the region.
The Command’s priorities, he notes, includes maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, and ensuring public safety.
It’s worth noting that the Western Region has also been dealing with other challenges, such as a cholera outbreak that resulted in 789 suspected cases and eight deaths as of December 7, 2024.
However, the police Command sees the decline in robbery cases as a positive development.
DCOP Osei Akoto was briefing the Western Regional Minister who is also the Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Joseph Nelson, on the command’s performance and architecture.
The commander expressed confidence that by focusing on police community engagement, proactive policing, and collaboration with other security agencies, the command will enhance service delivery and security quality in the region.
The Western Region’s police structure is divided into Western and Western Central Police Regions, comprising 5 divisions, 11 districts, and 38 police stations.
This strategic division enables targeted policing and effective coverage of the region.
DCOP Osei Akoto highlighted the command’s successes, including a significant reduction in violent crimes, with only 13 robbery cases recorded in 2024.
All these achievements notwithstanding, he confirmed that challenges confronting their operations still persist, including the threat of environmental degradation from illegal miners (galamsey) chieftaincy disputes, and road traffic offences.
Meanwhile, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has stressed the importance of a collaborative approach to tackle the region’s challenges, particularly galamsey, which has severe nationwide implications.
He condemned environmental degradation, highlighting its threat to national security. Nelson also expressed concern over the alarming rate of chieftaincy disputes in the region.
To address these challenges, he emphasized the need for the police, government, and community stakeholders to work together.
The minister pledged his administration’s support for the police to continue employing community-based policing strategies, ensuring proactive patrols.
He also underscored the importance of regular engagement between police and community leaders, facilitated by the Regional Coordinating Council and other stakeholders.
By Ebenezer Atiemo|ConnectFM|Takoradi
