Kumasi, Jan 27, GNA - Nana Owusu Kwaa-Dida, National Chairman of Neighbourhood Watch Committees, has bemoaned of the increasing crime wave in the country, saying many people were losing their properties and the needed peace.

He has, therefore, appealed to the Committees to sacrifice their time and work harder to help reduce the crime wave in the country. Nana Kwaa-Dida made these remarks when he was inaugurating a 60-member Neighbourhood Watch Committee at Old Tafo in the Kumasi Metropolis at the weekend.

He commended the initiative and foresight of the people in forming the committees and urged them to support the members to enable them discharge their duties as expected of them. Nana Kwaa-Dida assured them that the police would give them the requisite training to enable them work efficiently and effectively. Mr Francis Ampadu, Assembly member for Ahenbronum Electoral Area of Old Tafo, said the increase in criminal activities in recent times in the township necessitated the formation of the committee to help clamp down on the criminals.

He announced that every household would contribute GH=A210.00 to provide logistics and allowances to motivate the members to work assiduously.

Mr Ampadu said drinking bar operators and petty traders would also to pay monthly contributions ranging from GH=A21.00 to GH=A22.00 towards the upkeep of the committee members.

He appealed to the Ashanti Regional Police Command to support them to ensure the success of the exercise.

Nana Agyen Frempong II, chief of Tafo appealed to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to rehabilitate the town's roads. He also called on the residents to contribute either in cash or kind to enhance the work of the committee members in their efforts to fight criminals in the area.