Asokwa: The recent surge in armed robberies targeting Mobile Money (MoMo) vendors within the Asokwa Municipality has been linked to a decongestion and evacuation exercise conducted by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) around Asafo market, as revealed by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asokwa, Amoh Kamel. In a conversation with Kumasi FM's Elisha Adarkwah during an exhibition of the newly upgraded Assembly Hall of the Asokwa Municipal Assembly, the MCE highlighted that the criminal influx into the municipality was a direct consequence of the KMA's decongestion efforts.
According to Ghana Web, the MCE noted that the displacement of individuals from the Asafo market area caused several groups to disperse throughout the Greater Kumasi area. This dispersion has contributed to isolated security issues in neighboring districts like Asokwa, including robberies targeting MoMo vendors operating in areas such as Kaase and Ahensan Estate.
In light of these incidents, the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) has convened multiple emergency meetings to devise countermeasures, resulting in enhanced security measures across areas identified as vulnerable.
"As the head of municipal security, I have stepped up security operations and police patrols across the municipality," stated the MCE, reassuring residents and business owners that they can continue their daily activities without fear as "everything is under control."
These developments follow the arrest of two prime suspects by the Ashanti Regional Police Command, offering relief to business operators in the area amid heightened security concerns. The arrests were executed by the Regional Anti-Robbery Team in conjunction with the Municipal and Divisional Police Commands through intelligence-led operations.
The MCE confirmed the arrests and reassured the community that routine business activities can now be conducted safely. "Our prime suspects were arrested yesterday by the regional anti-robbery team with the support of our municipal and divisional police commanders," he stated. "We are currently awaiting an official briefing from the Ashanti Regional Police Command, but I can confirm that the two key suspects behind these incidents are in custody," he added.