Aflao, Jan. 4, GNA - Security Agencies in the Ketu District have been commended for the reduction in the crime rate, particularly robbery.

Mr Samuel Sackitey, Aflao District Police Commander who is also Head of the District's Security Task Force made the commendation in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Aflao on Tuesday. He said the exemplary collaboration between the Police, Bureau of National Investigations, Ghana Immigration Service, Fire Service and Customs Excise and Preventive Service, was responsible for the success story.

Mr Sackitey hinted that some robbery suspects had been arrested from their hideouts as part of operations to rid the area of miscreants. "We are now at peace as the robbery have reduced and we would maintain the collaboration and the vigilance," He added.

Mr Sackitey noted that reports of street and alley muggings of travellers and traders mainly at Aflao at dawn had also reduced. He said road safety campaigns and control measures undertaken by the security and other stakeholders from June last year and intensified in December proved successful with no accidents recorded on the Accra-Aflao highway during the Christmas and New Year. Mr Sackitey said crimes and assaults committed by drunkards and revellers had also reduced.

He said ritual murders which occurred in the area during the latter part of 2005, had also reduced, adding; "the arrests and trials of suspects served as deterrent."

Mr Felix Sarpong, Controller of Immigrations and Second In Command at Aflao said the general crime situation at the Ghana-Togo border was low before and during the yuletide, even with the increase in people crossing the border.