Residents of Atwemamena, and surrounding farming communities in the Abuakwa South Constituency of the Eastern Region, are living in fear following a series of armed robbery attacks in the area and its adjoining communities.
The affected areas—Atwemamena, Aboabo, and Anyinasin—are located along the Apedwa-Bonsu stretch of the Accra-Kumasi highway, where masked gunmen have been carrying out attacks on traders, cocoa farmers, and mobile money vendors.
Speaking to reporters, a cocoa farmer, Opanyin Nana Yaw , narrated how a group of masked armed robbers in a white unregistered private vehicle have invaded the community on four different occasions, stealing a total of GHC 10,000 from traders.
In a recent attack which occurred on Sunday , the same gang ambushed a mobile money merchant on his way home after work.
The robbers held him at gunpoint, forced him to reveal his MoMo PIN, and transferred GHC 8,000 from his wallet before fleeing.
The frequent robberies have left residents, particularly cocoa farmers and buyers, traumatized. Many say they can no longer sleep peacefully or go about their normal activities due to fear of being attacked.
With the cocoa season approaching, residents worry that criminal activities will escalate if nothing is done.
The communities are now appealing to the government and security authorities to increase police patrols and visibility in the area to curb the rising crime and protect lives and properties.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
