A Security Expert, Emmanuel Sowatey has called for more robust security institutions to be able to effectively combat crime in the country. According to Mr. Sowatey, a more robust security apparatus coupled with proper monitoring of the various security institutions will strengthen and protect the personnel who will be motivated to deliver services more effectively. He made the call on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem on Friday, July 15 in the wake of recent reports of increasing highway robberies especially on the Accra-Kumasi Highway. It is estimated that about six million passengers ply the Accra-Kumasi Highway every month which has just one police barrier between Kumasi and Asankare manned by personnel between 7pm and 2 am every day. There are about seven barriers mounted between Suhum and Accra but even with all these security check points, armed robbers often attack passengers on the road. Emmanuel Sowatey therefore called for regular training for police personnel to equip them with all the needed skills to enable them effectively deal with the new trends in armed robbery. He underscored the need for the police to be provided with resources to combat not only highway robberies but crime in general. He added that internal police instruction and strategies can also help to reduce crime to the barest minimum. Mr. Sowatey said even though he is personally against the idea of involving the military in fighting crime, now military intervention has become a matter of necessity. The Acting Director of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, DSP Cephas Arthur who also spoke on Dwaso Nsem noted that lack of logistics for personnel is hampering the fight against crime but stated that the police will continue to make do with the little resources they have. He disclosed that even though the Accra highway patrol team has oversight responsibility for the Accra to Konongo stretch, lack of logistics at some district commands had made it difficult for them to effectively carry out their duties. DSP Cephas Arthur urged the general public to place distress calls to the police information centre whenever they found themselves under attack or in any kind of trouble. He also cautioned police personnel who are not media friendly to change because the police need the media as partners to fight crime in the country. Story by Akuamoah Boateng/Adom News/Ghana