he Western Regional Police Command in collaboration with some security agencies has arrested 217 people suspected to have carried out a series of criminal activities within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, ABC News can confirm.

This, according to the Deputy Western Regional Police Commander, ACP Edmund Ohene Bosompem, is part of an exercise geared toward protecting people within the Region from activities of armed robbery, murder and other offences.

Speaking on Accra based StarrFM, Mr Ohene Bosompem noted that out of the 217 people arrested, a Hundred and Ninety-Four were males while the remaining were females.

“This exercise started around 04: 00 HRS with a total number of 400 security personnel drawn from the Regional Security Agencies. In recent times, there have been reported cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, drug-related cases and other offences. Such cases are not only worrisome but are also great security concerns. As law enforcement agencies we have the mandate to ensure that people within the region are well protected to be able to attend their legitimate businesses. At the end of the exercise, the total number of suspects arrested are 217, made up of 194 males and 19 females” he stated.

The Deputy Police Commander added further that the people arrested will be screened and processed for court.

“After this exercise, those who’ve been arrested will be screened and those found culpable will be dealt with according to the laws of this country” he noted

This arrest, however, is not an in isolation as a similar operation was embarked opon at Gomoa Budumburam in the Central Region in the early hours of Thursday, September 12.

The raid by a joint operation by 400 military officers and 200 police officers has led to the arrest of some 141 persons including 15 females suspected to be criminals.

According to the police, as part of efforts to ensure total security in the country, the exercise will be replicated nationwide.

Below is a copy of the statement by the Police: