Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Nathan Kofi Boakye, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, has urged the chiefs and opinion leaders in the Sekyere-Afram plains District of Ashanti, to join the police to stem cattle raids on farms in the District to promote peace in the area.

The Regional Commander who made the call at the inauguration of the first police station at Drobonso, capital of the District, said the practice which has destroyed crops of townsfolk and settler farmers in the area had often caused violent riots disturbing the peace.

“The inauguration of this police station will establish a strong presence of the police who will need the collaboration of the citizens/ to curb the intolerance, fighting and violent crimes to bring the peace needed for development”, he added.

The police station with facilities for a charge office, armoury, male and female cells, washrooms and other offices, was funded by the District Assembly, and will serve 91 communities in the District.

The inauguration has been hailed by the people as a huge step ahead of boosting security in the area where criminal cases have had to be reported to police stations at Kumawu, Effiduase and Konongo in outlying Districts.

DCOP Boakye advised the citizens against attacking police personnel, warning that the police would call for reinforcement in reprisal attacks when that happened.

He admonished the men not to condone crime by shelving criminals, but allow the law to take its course, adding that this was the only to win the people’s trust. 

Mr Alexander Adomako Mensah, Member of Parliament (MP) of the area, said security promotes development and was confident the development of the area was assured, as crime would be checked.

He urged the chiefs and people to support the police without interfering in their work.

Nana Dankwa Gyebi Siaw, Chief of Drobonso, said the police station was timely, since it would enable people go about their duties without fear.

The MP and the Assembly later donated a motorbike and computer to the station to enhance its work.

A 13-member neighborhood watch committee was commissioned to assist the Police.