<<Print>>

The police are in charge of security in Ho, the Volta regional capital, including Anlokordzi, contrary to claims that the military had taken over patrol duties. This came to light when DAILY GUIDE toured parts of the Ho Municipality to ascertain whether the police had allowed the military to take over patrol duties following clashes between the police and some irate youth on Sunday, 10th June, 2012. It would be recalled that some youth of Anlokordzi, a suburb of Ho, attacked the police with stones, sticks and bottles to protest the death of one Atsu Mensah who attempted to escape arrest during a dawn swoop about two weeks ago. The agitated youth, who blocked roads leading to the Police station and burnt tyres, also threatened to attack any police officer seen in their area. On Monday 11th June, a day after the clashes the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Isaac Kodobisah in the company of some Anlokordzi youth and military personnel embarked on an operation to smoke out criminals from Anlokordzi. The MCE, who was accompanied by the Assembly member of the area, Sheiba Aloryito told journalists that due to the tension and threats, the Regional Security Committee (REGSEC) had asked the Police to withdraw from the Anlorkordzi area and the central business district. �The military has now been asked to take over while the Police secure important installations such as banks, government agencies and the peripheries of Ho,� he added. According to him, the move was to prevent potential assault on the Police as threatened by irate youth of Anlokordzi in Ho last Sunday. The swoop was carried out with the assistance of some youth of Anlokordzi. However when DAILY GUIDE toured the Municipality it was evident that the Police were still in charge and calm had been restored to the area. When the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Alex Bedie was contacted, he emphasized that the police were responsible for security matters in the region. He noted that although the Hohoe situation posed some challenges, the Police Service had enough men to ensure safety in the area. He noted that the military were their partners and they could be engaged at the appropriate time. He mentioned that the said swoop was a onetime event spearheaded by the MCE, which should not be misunderstood. DCOP Alex Bedie encouraged residents of Ho, particularly Anlokordzi to trust the police. He also expressed gratitude to the public and the media for their collaboration in sustaining peace in the area and assured the public that the police would arrest all criminals in the region.