By Charles Tawiah
Akropong (Ash), May 19, GNA – The Asante Abuakwa Divisional Command of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) has announced plans to intensify security patrols around the enclaves of the Osei Tutu Senior High School following recent disturbances involving students of the school and some youth groups within the area.
Chief Superintendent Owoahene Akyeampong Asiedu, the Abuakwa Divisional Commander, disclosed this during a community engagement at Akropong after listening to concerns raised by key stakeholders.
He appealed to all parties involved to remain calm and exercise restraint as the police worked to restore peace and security in the area.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, Assembly and Unit Committee Members, school authorities, leaders of Pragya riders and other stakeholders, who agreed with the police to implement a coordinated security action plan for the school and nearby communities, including Akropong, Esaase and Koforidua, all within the Atwima Nwabiagya North District.
Chief Superintendent Asiedu called for understanding, discipline, tolerance and law-abiding conduct among both students and community members, noting that they were neighbours, friends and relatives living within the same environment.
He said such cooperation would complement the efforts of the police in ensuring adequate security and protection for residents, while creating a peaceful atmosphere for social and economic activities to thrive.
The Divisional Commander also appealed to the school authorities to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras on the campus to aid in the swift identification of perpetrators involved in future disturbances.
The recent disturbances followed allegations that some students attacked and assaulted Pragya riders from Esaase in retaliation for alleged recurrent attacks and robbery incidents targeting students, who were reportedly being dispossessed of their mobile phones and money by some youth in the area.
Meanwhile, executives of the Old Students Association of the school, led by Professor Kenneth Frimpong, have visited the Esaase-based Pragya rider who allegedly sustained severe injuries during the assault and offered him financial and material support.
Professor Frimpong reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting investigations into the incident and expressed readiness to support the arrest and possible prosecution of any student found culpable.
He stressed that the association did not condone acts of lawlessness and violence.
He also urged some youth within the community to desist from attempts to destroy school property, describing such actions as unlawful.
He advised them to allow the law to take its course.
Nana Oppong Wadie, the Chief of Esaase, commended the police for the security measures introduced and pledged the support of the traditional authorities towards the successful implementation of the action plan.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Charles Tawiah