The Ashanti Regional Security Council is moving to increase police visibility and patrols to check the recent crime wave which has claimed several lives in the region.

About nine people have been killed in the Ashanti region by suspected armed robbers since June this year.

The most recent one occurred at Asuoadee, close to Mankranso in the Ashanti region where the owner of a fuel station was gunned down by suspected robbers this week.

Chairman of REGSEC, Simon Osei Mensah, says other measures have been instituted to complement police efforts in protecting the public.

In an interview with Nhyira FM's Ofori Amanfo, Mr. Osei Mensah has assured Ashanti region of maximum safety.

“There have been incidences where people have lost their lives because of criminals. The Regional Security Council has met over it. Strategies have been put in place to deal with the criminals. We want to have peace. I can’t reveal all the strategies though. The visibility of the security, patrols will be increased. All other security strategies which are not for the public consumption cannot be put out there. I assure everyone that we are going to provide a safe environment for everyone,” he assured.

Meanwhile the Regional Police Command says it is beefing up security in sensitive areas across the region.

Deputy Regional Police Commander, DCOP David Agyemang Adjem says their presence will be high in October and the remaining months.

“Last week we deployed some men to the streets. Because of the era and season new are in now, it is necessary. We have over a hundred policemen who are out there. We must all understand is the UN standard is 1 policeman: 50 persons, whereas in Ghana our ratio is 1 policeman: 100+ persons. We wish we had the men to send to every nook and cranny. Unfortunately, our resources would not allow us to do that.  We are deploying to the areas we think are more sensitive. We wish we could tighten up security everywhere, unfortunately, that is not possible,’’ he said.