The Ashanti Regional Security Council has pledged to maintain a strong security presence in Asawase and other emerging hotspots, despite the recent return to relative calm following a series of deadly attacks.

The intensified security measures followed the tragic, unsolved murders of two men, including a prominent local chief, which have plunged the community into fear.

The crackdown, which began on August 1, comes after a series of targeted killings.

On July 22, Alhaji Abdul-Malik Azenbe, the Kusasi Chief of the Ashanti Region, was fatally shot by gunmen on a motorbike armed with an AK-47 rifle outside his home. Just three days later, on July 25, another man was killed in a separate, but similarly chilling, motorbike-enabled attack. These incidents have fueled public anxiety and cast a shadow over a community previously known for its vibrant spirit.

In a press briefing on August 22, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who oversees the security council, assured the public that security forces would remain vigilant.

“We have put up a robust system to combat the peculiar situation we’re confronted with. As and when we identify new hotspots, we do the deployment. By and large, after the intervention by REGSEC and the Interior Ministry, we have been able to have good control of the security situation in the region, so we’re safe,” he stated.

In response to the recent violence, police and military patrols were intensified in the Asawase and Asokore Mampong Municipality starting August 1.

The Ashanti Regional Security Council implemented strict security measures, including checkpoints for stop-and-search operations and a ban on the use of motorbikes after 7 p.m. These efforts aim to deter further criminal activity and reassure the community of their safety.

While the culprits behind the shootings remain at large, authorities have taken action by impounding several motorbikes that violated the new restrictions.

Additionally, police conducted intelligence-led operations across Asawase and other parts of the Ashanti Region, resulting in the seizure of weapons believed to be linked to the recent crimes.

The regional police have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the murders, assuring the public that justice will prevail.

As the situation unfolds, community leaders and residents continue to call for enhanced security measures and collaboration with law enforcement to restore peace and confidence in their neighbourhoods.

Asawase has been known for its vibrant community spirit, but the recent tragedies have cast a shadow over the area. The Ashanti Regional Security Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong security presence is crucial in preventing further unrest and rebuilding trust within the community.

As the investigation continues, both local authorities and residents hope for swift justice and a safer environment for all.