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06.03.2008 Crime & Punishment

Suhum residents want lunatics arrested

06.03.2008 LISTEN
By The Chronicle


Residents of Suhum, in the Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District of the Eastern Region, have called on the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to institute measures to arrest all lunatics on the streets of the town.

According to them, they are of the strong conviction that the on-going unexplained killings, which have taken centre stage and creating fear and panic among them, could be caused by the so-called mentally challenged, beggars and the destitute, who are roaming the streets of the town.

The residents made the call at an open forum, organized by the REGSEC in Suhum last Monday, to discuss how best they could tackle the killing incidents in the area.

Almost all the residents, who spoke at the forum, noted that the mentally challenged persons roaming the streets of the town could be behind the killings, though they behave as if they are mad.

They have therefore appealed to the REGSEC, to organize the security agents to arrest all lunatics in the district, and use medical doctors to screen and examine them thoroughly, to establish whether or not they are indeed mentally ill.

Speaking at the forum, which was attended by the chief of the area, Nana Osaberima Ayeh Kofi, the Member of Parliament (MP) of the area, Hon. Fred Opare-Ansah, and other traditional rulers, the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon Kwadjo Afram-Asiedu, called on the resident to be vigilant any time they come across suspicious characters in the area.

The REGSEC has pledged GHc2,000 to any individual, who could provide information leading to the arrest of the strange killers.

On his part, the Eastern Regional Deputy Police Commander, ACP Ampah Benny, assured the residents of the readiness of the police to bring the situation under control.

According to him, the police administration would do everything possible, in order to live up to its primary responsibility of protecting lives, properties, as well as ensuring peace and tranquility in the country.

ACP Benny further assured the forum, of his outfit's readiness to protect the identity of anyone who would provide information leading to the arrest of the of the culprits.

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