Akosombo, June 16, GNA - Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, has assured residents of Akosombo that the government would work to nib in the bud the activities of criminals, particularly domestic and highway armed robbers.

He said as part of the security measures, neighbourhood watch dog committee would be revived to assist the police in fighting crime. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said this at a passing-out ceremony of the Akosombo Volunteer Corps (AVC) at Akosombo on Tuesday. Forty-two people including a woman passed out.

He said as a result of armed robbers, many innocent and law abiding citizens had been assaulted and in some instances killed. "However, through the collaborative effort of the security agencies, the crime rate is gradually reducing," he said.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo commended a section of the youth in Akosombo who have volunteered to protect life and property to help create a peaceful environment for the continuous generation of hydro-electric power. He advised the Volunteer Corps to be seen as playing a unique role in providing protection to the workers to enable them to perform their duties.

He appealed to other communities who have no volunteer squads to emulate Akosombo since security is paramount in the attempt to move the country to a middle income level. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo donated GHC 5,000 worth of relief items including 50 bags of rice, blankets and clothing to residents of South Senkyi who were affected by rainstorm last Thursday.