Crime & Punishment of Monday, 24 June 2013

Source: Joy Online

200 police deployed to control protest in Ashaiman

The Ashaiman District Command has announced the deployment of 200 personnel to patrol the municipality to maintain law and order.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) David Eklu told journalists that the team will offer 24-hour patrol to residents and commuters in the wake of Monday’s violent demonstration by some irate youth in the area.

Hundreds of the angry youth blocked major entry and exit routes to the Ashaiman Municipality of Accra, to draw attention to the deplorable condition of roads in the area.

They burnt tyres, seized the tollbooth at the Ashaiman end on the Tema-Accra motorway and reportedly made away with cash and other valuables belonging to officials manning the booths.

The protest later turned violent when the protesters pelted the security officers with objects, as they attempted to fire tear gas to disperse them. At least one police officer suffered serious injury and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

It took a combined team of police and the military several hours to bring sanity to the community.

DSP Eklu said eleven suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the disturbance for further investigations and possible prosecution if found culpable.