Cape Coast, March 15, GNA- The acting Central Region Police Commander, Mr William Twumasi, on Monday expressed concern about the activities of "macho men" serving as land guards around Kasoa and Buduburam and Twifo-Kyebi in the region..

He said their activities, normally cause troubles to contesting parties and that within the past two weeks, 11 of such guards have been arrested at Buduburam and are now facing court action. Mr Twumasi expressed these concerns when the IGP Nana Owusu Nsiah, who is on a tour of the region, met police personnel, political party representatives, and the media at Cape Coast.

He said recently, a member of the Agyarkwa family at Twifo-Kyebi, was callously murdered..

The Acting Regional Commander, described chieftaincy and land disputes as "bedfellows", which were rampant in the region.

On crime rate, Mr Twumasi said recorded crimes increased from 15,222 cases in 2002 to 16,640 last year. This is made up of 37 murder cases, 23 robberies, 29 rapes, 122 defilement and 10 illegal abortions. He said a total of 1,564 domestic violence cases were also recorded at the WAJU within the same period, and stressed that those who would be found to have behaved irresponsibly, would be prosecuted.

On the December general election, he said the regional police command has organised a series of meetings with the members of various political parities to ensure free and fair elections, and urged the public to assist the police in it work.