Regional News of Monday, 2 August 2010

Source: GNA

Residents at Baiden Powell area live in constant fear

Accra, Aug. 2, GNA - The Ghana Scout Association (GSA) has appealed to the Police Administration to intervene in what it described as constant fear and robbery attacks at the Baiden Powell area near Bank of Ghana in Accra.

The Association said there have been reports of criminal activities in the area for some months now.

Making the appeal through the Ghana News Agency at an emergency meeting at the GSA Greater Accra Office, Mr Ishmael Nii Dodoo, Commissioner GSA, in charge of Property, expressed worry about the situation and mentioned other crimes such as prostitution, rape and child abuse in the area.

He said a group of criminals believed to have come from Abuja (a place near the Graphic road railway area) and Novotel area in Accra to hide in the area.

Nii Dodoo said if measures were not put in place to stop the crimes, many law abiding residents would be forced to abandon the area.

The Scout Commissioner said the area, which was formally known as Akuma Village or Baiden Powell, is now called Emmanuel Village.

He alleged that some Nigerians, who collect refuse in the area, are suspected to be the brain behind some of the crimes for which victims were sometimes assaulted, robbed and raped at night.

Miss Janet Nelson, a member of the GSA in charge of women, who also confirmed the criminal activities, said the robbers often pretend to be refuse or garbage collectors of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

Strangely, she added, 93you here people shouting for help."