Kumasi, May 17, GNA - A joint exercise by the Police and Military codenamed "Operation Calm Life" was on Friday re-launched in Kumasi to combat criminal activities in the metropolis. Launching the operation, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kwesi Mensah Duku, Acting Regional Police Commander, said the operation was first launched in 2001 and again in 2005 to fight against criminal activities.

He said this year's exercise would be intensified to help check the crime wave in the country to ensure peace and order. ACP Duku hinted that the security agencies would work harder than before and also focus on night patrols in the regions and the districts, as part of their efforts to clamp down on criminals. He said since the launch of the operation a few years back, the country had seen a total reduction of crimes.

ACP Duku noted that, from January, 2009 till now the Ashanti Region was able to arrest 37 suspected robbers out of which seven died during gun battles with the police, whiles some were convicted and others remanded into prison custody. Lt. Col. Amponsem Boateng, Commanding Officer of the Fourth Battalion of Infantry, advised the security personnel to be committed and dedicated in the discharge of their duties. He appealed to Ghanaians to avoid open display of affluence and ensure that they reported all criminal related issues to the appropriate authorities.