The Mayor of Accra, Mohammed Adjei Sowah, has called on the police to increase their efforts in retrieving unlicensed guns that are in circulation.

According to him, many robbers are emboldened to attack people, even in broad daylight, because they have these unlicensed firearms in their possession.

Speaking on Top Story he said that “I think our security agencies should step up a bit on retrieval of unlicensed firearms in the hands of many people. Nowadays even in a community brawl, you will see people shooting in the air. You don't know where they get the guns from, these are all matters of concern."

Mr. Adjei Sowah's comment comes after armed robbers shot and killed, a police officer and an eyewitness, during a robbery incident involving a bullion van at Adedenkpo, a suburb of James Town in Accra, Monday.

The robbers during their operation, shot and killed the police officer who was on escort duty and a hawker. The driver of the van also sustained injuries and was admitted at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for treatment.

The Accra Mayor told Evans Mensah, host of the show, that he was shocked to hear the news especially after knowing the incident took place at the timber market.

He stated that the enclave is an informal industrial area packed with people who are going about their everyday duties.

“How could that happen around 12 midday when the place was very busy, and everybody was going about their normal business? I think that we should be worried about the number of unlicensed guns in the hands of people,” he said.

Mr Adjei Sowah said that the increase in robbery activities is affecting the safety of people in the city.

“Accra and Ghana are adjudged to be a very safe place, and that is why tourists and visitors come into the city and walk around 24 hours unhurt. But the recent happenings are a cause of worry," he stated.

He urged the police to not only look into the James Town incident but also take steps to ensure that crimes are reduced; leaving the country and cities safe again.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has directed the Director-General, Criminal Investigation Department to take over investigations into the James Town attack.

A press release signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent of Police (SP), Sheila Abayie-Buckman stated that crime scene experts have visited the scene and are going through the necessary procedures to aid in the investigations.