The Ghana Police Administration has launched an intensified and largely silent operation across several regions aimed at curbing violent crime. Spearheaded by the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) and various elite operational units, including the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Formed Police Unit (FPU), Anti-Armed Robbery Unit (AARU), Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) and Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), these efforts have begun yielding significant results.
In our center page of today’s issue, we carried a story about how the Police has embarked on a nationwide ‘war’ to combat violent crimes. In the Ashanti Region, arrests were made at snap checkpoints in Asawase where arms and ammunition were seized, while in the Volta Region, two armed robbers were arrested through CCTV footage and intelligence tracking. In the Western Region’s Esiama Division, police foiled a robbery at a gold-buying shop, leading to the arrest and eventual death of a suspect.
In Ashanti Bekwai, armed robbers attacking a mining vehicle were met with force, leading to the recovery of weapons and arrest of suspects. In Atebubu (Bono East), police responded to highway robberies and neutralised multiple gunmen after they opened fire on patrol units. This coordinated, intelligence-driven approach shows a committed police force working tirelessly to suppress crime, reclaim public trust and ensure safer communities nationwide.
For far too long, crime in the country has grown in both boldness and sophistication. Reports of highway robberies, residential thefts and gang activities have plagued communities all over the country.
The crackdown on violent crime by the Police Intelligence Directorate and operational units marks a new era of policing in Ghana. This could not have come at a better time.
Over the past year, Ghana has witnessed an upsurge in crimes involving firearms, armed robbery and organised criminal groups, especially in mining regions and along major highways.
What makes this development commendable is not just the success of arrests and recoveries, but the strategy behind it. Intelligence-led policing, a globally acknowledged best practice, is finally taking root in Ghana’s law enforcement structure. It ensures that police officers are not merely reacting after crimes are committed but are now disrupting criminal plots before they unfold. That is the mark of a professional force and it is working.
But beyond the tactical victories, there is something more powerful at play – deterrence. Crime thrives where there is impunity. When criminals believe that the police are absent, under-resourced or incapable, they act without fear.
However, the recent wave of arrests and encounters, some of which ended in the neutralisation of armed attackers has flipped the narrative. Fear is now where it belongs, in the hearts of those who plot violence against society.
Retired security experts like Col. Festus Aboagye have rightly emphasised the need for more logistical support from surveillance technology to protective gear and communication infrastructure.
President Mahama’s commitment to retool the service must translate into quick and tangible resourcing. Ghana cannot afford to have a demoralised or under-equipped police force in this critical hour.
The police should continue engaging local leaders, chiefs, youth groups and neighborhood watch committees, especially in volatile areas. Trust breeds cooperation and cooperation makes intelligence work easier.
To the men and women in black, risking their lives quietly and consistently, The Chronicle says ‘ayekoo’ to you. You have chosen action over excuses and professionalism over publicity.
Kudos for a job well done, so far so good.
The post Editorial: Police Crackdown On Violent Crime Is Welcome News appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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