Kumasi, Dec. 1, GNA - The Ashanti Region Police Command has reminded members of the public that the law prohibiting the possession of some category of explosives has not been abrogated, but still in full force and should be respected.

The categories of explosives prohibited, which should not be carried or manufactured, under paragraph one of the Public Order Act, include, firecrackers (knockouts), display shells, artillery shells, and ball and canister shells.

This was contained in a statement issued in Kumasi on Thursday, and signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Y M Tanko, Ashanti Regional Police Public Relation Officer.

It said members of the public who were in possession of such prohibited explosives were being requested to deposit them with the nearest police station by Monday, December 5. ASP Tanko stated that after the expiry of the deadline, the police would embark on an intensive search to retrieve any prohibited explosives.

"Persons in possession of such prohibited explosives, commit an offence and are liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five million cedis or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

The release said the reminder was a result of an observation by the police command that some people had started importing certain categories of prohibited explosives into the country, apparently, towards the Christmas festivities.

"Some of the explosives have been displayed for sale in the market, while others have acquired them and are using them to disturb public peace", the release noted.