ARREST YOUTH WHO ABDUCTED CHIEF — IGP (SPREAD, MARCH 12, 2010)

THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye, has ordered the immediate arrest of the youth who abducted the Omanhene of Tuobodum, Nana Asare Baffour II, at Wenchi last Friday, to assist the police in their investigations.
He said his administration would not condone any wrongdoing that would lead to violence, the loss of lives and the destruction of property.
Three people were killed and four others, including a policeman sustained various degrees of gunshot wounds during sporadic gunfire that followed the arrest of Nana Asare Baffour.
The IGP disclosed this last Wednesday, when he interacted with the media as part of his working visit to Kumasi, the first since he assumed office last May.
The IGP’s visit afforded him the opportunity to interact with the Regional Police Command where he addressed senior police officers.
He also paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, in his Manhyia Palace.
Mr Quaye expressed concern about the incident and gave an assurance that the police would intensify investigations on the issue to ensure that those found culpable were dealt with without any fear or favour.
He said the eight suspects who had been arrested would assist the police in their investigations to bring lasting peace to the area.
During his interaction with the police, the IGP expressed concern about the different kinds of firearms that were used to commit crimes in the country and directed the police to investigate and identify the sources of supply.
He, therefore, directed the police to delve into all cases of arms importation, smuggling, ammunition storage and sale, as well as licensing of arms.
He said it was equally important for the police to regulate the registration and transfer of firearms, especially pistols and automatic weapons, to reduce violent crimes in the country.
At the Manhyia Palace, Mr Tawiah Quaye commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu for his tremendous support to the Regional Police Command, making it possible for them to chalk up many successes in their operations.
The IGP appealed to the Asantehene to support the Ghana Police Service to construct a police barracks to accommodate policemen posted to the region.
Responding, Otumfuo Osei Tutu commended the Ghana Police Service for the invaluable service to the nation which had enhanced peace and security.
He said it was the commitment of the police in peace building that was attracting investors into the country.
He, however, charged them to remain neutral in their operations to prevent their ranks being infiltrated by politicians.