There has been a massive step-up of security checkpoints in the Ashanti Region as security forces will not leave anything to chance in the extended period of the lockdown in the Greater Kumasi area.

The joint police and military deployment has virtually held off all routes leading to the central business district from Aseda house, Suame Macro, Manhyia and Asafo.

The heavily manned roadblocks have also extended into Abrepo, Breman, Tafo, Santase and other busy communities in the region.

All persons using the Krofrom – Dichemso as well as the Afrantso route towards Kejetia would also meet a barrier for interrogation before allowed to pass.

Scores of people, who had been made to alight from their commercial vehicles for no tangible reasons over the weekend, suffered the punishments of walking long distances back to their homes.

Deputy Ashanti Regional Police Commander, ACP David Agyemang Adjem, told Ultimate News’ Ivan Heathcote – Fumador, the graduated enforcement is to ensure that the president’s directives for all persons to stay indoors are enforced to the letter.

He pointed out, “One of the things the president said was that he was not happy with the way recalcitrant people are making this operation very difficult for everybody. So we need to step it up and let people understand that we all have to stay at home.”

He cautioned that his men have been briefed to ensure that the law takes its full course against anyone caught loitering in town without any tangible reason within the rules of restriction.