BRING IT ON! … Kofi Boakye Dares Criminals…

RESIDENTS OF the Ashanti Region and Kumasi in Particular, can now heave a sigh of relief as the new Regional Police Commander, DCOP Nathan Kofi Boakye, has declared war on criminals in the city, warning that their hay days are numbered.

DCOP Kofi Boakye is assuring residents of his commitment to rid the city of unscrupulous elements, including some so-called notorious bases in the city, known to be the hub for criminals.

Speaking in an interview with a local radio station, Angel FM, the Ashanti Regional Police boss said his main focus is to embark on preventive policing, taking the fight to the criminals at their hideouts, rather than allowing them to strike before reacting.

DCOP Kofi Boakye, who was born and bred in Ashanti New Town (AshTown), one of Kumasi’s most popular suburbs, stated that he has since his arrival combed through the city and mounted swoops on all “notorious” joints in places like AshTown, Bantama, Aboabo and Asokore Mampong amongst others.

DCOP Kofi Boakye has already made good his promise after rounding up about 35 criminals in separate swoops, and has also declared 20 others, known to be notorious gangs terrorising residents in the Kumasi metropolis, wanted.

Key amongst these gangsters who have been declared wanted are Baba Musah and one Azuure, whilst another serial gangster, known as Bash, was also arrested and later granted bail.

The Police Commander, who is also a Legal Practitioner, said he believes it is only through proactive policing that criminal activities can be nipped in the bud, stressing this can only be possible with the help of the public.

He said there was the need for the public to continue to support the police through timely relay of information.

In another development, DCOP Nathan Kofi Boakye has reminded personnel in the service of their mandate to maintain law and order, while protecting lives and property to ensure that the region remained peaceful and stable.

The Police chief, who gave the reminder at the end of year WASA in Kumasi, on Friday, expressed appreciation to the personnel who showed professionalism and competence in the performance of their duties.

He said as service personnel, they will always remain firm and perform their duties without fear or favour, irrespective of one’s political affiliation, tribe, religion or place of origin, to make sure that there is law and order in the region.

The Commander also pleaded with the REGSEC to assist the police to deliver their mandate, for the police alone cannot fight crime without the cooperation of the citizens, saying we also need the MMDCEs support in their various jurisdictions to fight armed robbery to make sure the residents go about their usual businesses peacefully without fear.

He cautioned the personnel to desist from attitudes that would bring the reputation of the service into disrepute and cautioned that there would be no room for a police personnel to scandalize the Service. He also called for their alertness to respond to task wherever he/she is called to duty to justify his role as a police officer. .

Mr. Eric Opoku, Ashanti Regional Minister, commended the regional police command for their tremendous performance in the region.

According to him, people in the region went about their businesses in peace last year, due to the commitment, hard work and determination of the police, and commended their families and friends for their support, which contributed to the excellence in performing their duties.

The Regional Minister entreated all the MMDCEs to help the police in acquiring residential places to ensure a better place to stay, to enable them protect the residents. He also cautioned the police to do what it takes to expose the bad nuts within the service who could bring the good image of the service into disrepute.

Minister Opoku also called on the media and the general public to cooperate with the police by giving them accurate information towards peace and stability in the region.