KUMASI SECURITY AGENCIES COMMENDED FOR THEIR VIGILANCE (PAGE 30)

THE Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Emmanuel A. Owusu-Ansah, has commended the Ashanti Regional Security agencies for their vigilance, gallantry and professionalism in combating crime in the Kumasi metropolis and its environs.
He pointed out that it was the professional readiness of the security agencies that made it possible for them to contain the menace of armed robbery and other criminal activities that had engulfed various parts of the metropolis last year.
He said the effort of the security agencies was very much appreciated, because it did not only bring sanity into the region, but also has made it possible for the people to enjoy relative peace.
Mr Owusu-Ansah pointed out that in spite of the vigilance of the security agents, "there were some isolated cases of car snatching, pick-pocketing, defilement and fraud," and, therefore, called on the public to "continue to assist the security agencies by volunteering information on activities of criminals to help curb the menace".
Addressing a section of residents in the Kumasi metropolis and its environs during a People's Assembly held at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi, Mr Owusu-Ansah said it was only when the public collaborated effectively with the security agencies that the high rate of criminal activities could be curbed to enable residents have their peace to concentrate on their economic ventures.
He said one of such cases which caused public outcry was the gruesome murder of the late Samuel Best Enin, who was the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), and gave the assurance that with the investigations into the case completed, the culprits would be brought to book.
He said the government was also putting adequate measures in place to support private initiatives by providing micro-finance and small loans to the public.
He said so far, as much as GH¢2,098,000 had been disbursed to 776 beneficiaries, including 363 females under the small loans, while a total of 7,891 people, including 2,956 females, had also benefited from a loan of GH¢2,297,900 under the micro credit.
On urban roads projects, Mr Owusu Ansah said between January 2001 and March 2008, a total of 179.89 kilometre of road projects estimated at GH¢14,321,398.54 had been completed.
He mentioned the Suame-Kropo, Suame-Kotoko, Daban, Kwadaso Nsuom, Tarkwa Maakro, Gyinyase and Asuoboa as some of the beneficiary suburbs of the road projects.
He said a total of 253 culverts, estimated at GH¢3,341,819.84, were also constructed at such areas as the Suame Magazine, Daban, Atasemanso, Breman, Tanoso, Kromoase, Pankrono, Bohyen, Ayigya and Atonsu.
On the rehabilitation of roads in the metropolis, Mr Owusu-Ansah said a total of 110.82 kilometre of road networks was rehabilitated at GH¢15,773,372.36.
He said suburbs which benefited from the projects included North Kwadaso, Adoato, the Asuoyeboah township, Nyakyenease, Tafo Hospital, Asokore-Mampong, Krofrom area roads and Sobodo.