Wa (Upper West), 6 Nov. Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, Upper West Regional Minister, today advised the police to step up efforts to curb crime and lawlessness in Wa. He noted with regret the rising crime wave in the Wa township, especially murders, and called on the regional police command to step up night patrols. The minister made the call at the third quarterly meeting between him and journalists at his office in Wa to review their performance and find solutions to some of the problems inhibiting the smooth performance of their duties. Alhaji Sulemana was not happy about the way some police officers go about their duties and urged them to leave up to expectation. Alhaji Sulemana called on the people to desist from setting bushfires during the dry season. He warned that the region is expected to experience a shortfall in food production this year, especially in the Lawra and Jirapa districts. Alhaji Ali Pelpiw, Wa District Chief Executive, announced plans by the assembly to clear heaps of rubbish from the township. He said he was personally supervising the exercise and called on residents to cooperate to ensure a clean environment.