Minister for Information, Mustapha Hamid has revealed that government has issued a directive to the Energy ministry to facilitate the communities’ lighting programme especially in areas reported to have high prevalence of criminal activities.

Mr Hamid made the announcement after Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, convened an emergency meeting of all heads of security agencies, service commanders and ministers responsible for the Interior, Defence and National Security and also the Senior Minister to deliberate on the recent spate of robberies in the country.

“The Ministry of Energy has been directed to accelerate the pace of its cities and communities lighting programme, in order to light up our cities and communities especially crime prone areas.” He noted

In recent weeks there have been a surge in robbery attacks across the country with several members of the public getting killed.

A number of high profiled personalities in the country including former President Jerry John Rawlings and members of the minority in Parliament have added their voice to public outcry calling for the national security apparatus to step up their game.

But the Information Ministry further reassured the public that steps are being taken to curtail the disturbances within the country.

“Government regards the peace and security of our country as the basis for development and will stop at nothing to ensure that Ghanaians are safe and go about their lawful duties in peace and tranquility. We further encourage citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious characters in their communities to the law enforcement agencies.”