By Celestine Avi
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged firm action to restore safety in communities across the Bono East Region, particularly those grappling with armed and highway robberies.
Speaking at a durbar of chiefs and residents in Kintampo during his three-day “Thank You” Tour, President Mahama stressed that no meaningful development can occur without security.
“Development cannot thrive without security. We are aware of the challenges in the Eastern Corridor of Bono East, particularly around the Atebubu-Amantin area, Sene East and West, and the Pru districts. Highway robbery and armed robbery has become rampant,” he said.
The President revealed that he has already instructed national security authorities to take swift and decisive action in response to the rising crime.
“I have directed the Minister for Interior and the Inspector General of Police to deploy additional security personnel to those areas where robbery has become rampant,” he announced.
To enhance the capacity of security agencies on the ground, President Mahama also promised critical logistics support.
“We will also provide the police with patrol vehicles and communication equipment so that they can keep you safe,” he said.
He further outlined plans to strengthen community-level efforts to fight crime, noting that a proactive approach is necessary to tackle insecurity effectively.
“We’re also going to strengthen community policing and intelligence gathering in order that we can reduce the incidence of armed robbery,” the President said.
President Mahama ended his remarks with a strong assurance to the people of Bono East.
“Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the presence of justice and protection and we will not rest until every community in Bono East feels safe and secure,” he said.
During the event, the President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Owusu Sakyi III, linked the region’s robbery challenges to poor road infrastructure, which he said gives criminals the upper hand. He appealed to President Mahama to prioritize road improvements to help address the situation.
President Mahama’s visit to Bono East is the first leg of a three-region “Thank You” Tour, of the Bono East, Bono, and Ahafo Regions following his victory in the December 2024 elections.
