Security agencies in the Ashanti Region have launched an operation to combat robbery and other forms of crime. A joint police-military patrol team will spearhead the operation dubbed ‘Operation Calm Lives’. Regional Police Commander ACP Kwasi Mensah Duku is hopeful the exercise would improve public security and safety. Since the beginning of this year, the region has registered a drop in crime cases. Thirty-seven robbery suspects have been arrested, several of them tried and convicted already. Seven others were killed in shoot-outs with police. It is in an effort to further reduce the incidence of robbery in the region that security agencies have taken this initiative. The exercise was first launched in 2001 in response to high crime levels at the time. Friday’s launch coincided with similar events in Accra and Tema. Personnel pledged commitment to the cause of making life more comfortable for residents. ACP Mensah Duku commended the media and residents for their co-operation with police. He explained further that objectives of the exercise were to create congenial environment between the security organizations and civil society. It also aimed at creating a crime free environment in the region for all and sundry. Acting General Officer Commanding the Northern Command of the Ghana Armed Forces, Col. John Bosco Guyiri, called on Ghanaians to be security conscious. Story by Ohemeng Tawiah, Nhyira FM