Interior Minister Ambrose Dery has rejected criticisms of security failure in Ghana, stating the security agencies are in full control of affairs despite the recent upsurge in criminal activities, especially armed robberies.

Describing the recent spate of armed robbery attacks in the country, particularly in Accra as “regrettable”, Mr. Dery assured Ghanaians that the Police are on the beat following up on leads..

“…Clearly, we haven’t lost control at all; what we’re doing is making sure that we follow the leads”, he told 3FM’s Kwakye Afreh-Nuamah Wednesday on the sidelines of the commemoration of the 28th February Christiansburg crossroads in Accra.

There have been spontaneous criminal activities, mostly armed robbery, across the country since January this year leading to some deaths; a situation that has put many Ghanaians in fear.

Over 20 forex bureau and mobile money operators have in the last two months been robbed in Accra and Tema alone.

Again, some armed men on Tuesday, February 27 stormed a motorcycle dealer shop at the North Industrial Area in Accra amidst firing of gunshots and managed to escape with unspecified amount by switching vehicles.

Tuesday’s incident has caused the public to criticize Ghana Police.

Though Mr. Dery admitted there have been an upsurge of crimes in the country in recent times, he maintained the security personnel are in control of the situation.

“In the last 10 days, there appears to be an upsurge of a different kind of armed robbery not because it is not armed robbery but its targets are different. What we had in the beginning when we set off was armed robbery on highways and domestic homes…”

But he observed the approach has changed as the robbers were now targeting businesses, including mobile money and forex bureau operators.

“Now we’ve seen in the last 10 days there has been an upsurge of money joints and then yesterday there was that day time activity”, he noted.



Arrests

Meanwhile, the Police in a statement Tuesday assured Ghanaians they have intensified patrols in areas identified as robbery prone in the country.

“We wish to assure the public that police is at the heels of these robbers whilst deploying men and resources to protect lives and property,” it said

It also announced that two people have been arrested by the Police in connection with Tuesday’s robbery in Accra.

According to the Police, the two are assisting in investigations that could lead to more arrest.

Additionally, nine others have so far been arrested in connection with the forex bureau and mobile money transfer robberies in Accra.