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Residents and traders in the Amansie South and Amansie West districts of the Ashanti Region are living in fear following a sharp rise in armed robbery incidents. Within the past week alone, five separate attacks have been recorded, leaving victims traumatized and raising serious concerns about security in the area.
According to affected traders, the robbers have become more brutal, not only stealing their money and valuables but also stripping them naked in search of hidden cash. This humiliating treatment has intensified fear among residents, especially those who rely on daily trade for their livelihoods.
Traders Call for Immediate Action
At a press conference held in response to the alarming situation, aggrieved traders called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, and the District Police Commanders to take swift action to restore security.
“We can no longer travel safely on these roads. The robbers attack us at will, and the police presence is almost non-existent. We are appealing to the authorities to deploy more security personnel to protect us before things get worse,” one trader lamented.
The traders emphasized that if nothing is done, economic activities in the area will suffer greatly, as many of them are already afraid to transport goods due to the risk of being attacked.
Assembly Member Raises Alarm Over Market Impact
Hon. Peter Awreh, the Assembly Member for the Manso Adubia Electoral Area, also expressed deep concern about how the robberies are affecting trade, particularly the newly introduced Wednesday market at Manso Adubia.
“This market was created to boost economic activity in the area, but these robbery attacks are scaring traders away. If the security situation does not improve, the market will collapse, and that will be a huge setback for local businesses,” he stated.
He joined the traders in urging the IGP, the Regional Police Commander, and the two District Police Commanders to take urgent steps to address the situation. He called for increased police patrols, checkpoints at key locations, and intelligence-led operations to dismantle the criminal networks operating in the area.
Residents Demand Long-Term Security Measures
Beyond immediate intervention, residents are calling for permanent security measures, such as the establishment of a well-equipped police post in the most affected areas. Many believe that without a sustained security presence, the robbers will continue to operate freely and terrorize the community.
As of the time of this report, there had been no official response from the Ghana Police Service. However, residents and traders remain hopeful that authorities will act swiftly to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the area.
Way Forward
With the increasing frequency of armed robbery attacks in the Amansie South and Amansie West districts, the urgent need for enhanced security measures cannot be overstated. Residents and traders are calling on authorities to prioritize their safety and take decisive action to put an end to these criminal activities before they spiral out of control.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
