Government to complete Asokore-Mampong Afordable Housing project

Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister of the Interior, has affirmed Government�s determination to complete the Asokore-Mampong Affordable Housing project in Kumasi started by the Kufuor Administration. The project has in recent times come under the spotlight as it provides sanctuary for robbers and other criminals terrorizing the people in the metropolis. The minister told the press, after inspecting the houses, that they were going to be completed to enable those qualified to occupy them to do so. Mr Ahwoi, accompanied by the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan, was in Kumasi to assess the security situation of the metropolis and the entire Ashanti Region. This comes on the heels of open display of lawlessness by a gang of criminals who, for two days running, took over the streets of Ayigya, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)-Junction, Ayeduase and other parts of Kumasi, firing gunshots and terrorizing people. He described the delay in the completion of the project and its virtual takeover by squatters and criminals as unfortunate. The police administration had already put in a request for about 200 of the flats. The minister earlier inspected three tents erected by the police at Ayeduase, Ayigya Zongo and Adukrom-Junction to ensure strong security presence in the crime-prone communities. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Augustine Gyening, Regional Police Commander, said although they had had some security challenges, these had been grossly misrepresented and exaggerated in the media. He said they would continue to work hard and do everything to rein in criminals to enable the law-abiding to go about their legitimate activities without fear. The minister also paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace.