The Ghana Police Service has dismissed claims by the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) that there is an increase in armed robberies and violent attacks in the country.

The Service says the assertions are untrue because the security in the country is under control, adding that the Police “remains committed to its crime-fighting efforts.”

“We fight every day and treat every crime with the same urgency and same professional attitude, and we regret the loss of every life,” part of a statement issued on Monday, May 30 read.

The Ghana Bar Association, in a statement issued on Monday to demand swift investigations into the death of a lawyer on the Bole-Bamboi highway, said there is an upsurge in armed robbery and related crimes in the country.

It then asked the security agencies to carry out a thorough probe into the murder of the Accra-based lawyer, Richard Badombie.

“The GBA implores the security agencies to intensify activities and programmes aimed at drastically reducing the crime rate in the country, especially armed robbery and other violent crimes.

“The GBA further urged the security agencies to intensify the protection of all persons living within the territorial borders of the Republic of Ghana so that they can feel safe and go about their daily activities and businesses in peace without the slightest sense of insecurity,” it added in the statement.

In a response to this, the Police administration says it has already deployed various strategic crime prevention and control interventions to counter violent crimes, including armed robbery in the country.

“We, therefore, urge the public, including all special-interest groups to be circumspect in their commentary on this matter and rather support the Police to find a quick resolution to the case,” the Police added.

Murder of lawyer

The lawyer was attacked on Saturday, May 28 and shot dead by armed robbers on the Bole-Bamboi road.

He was driving a Hyundai Accent saloon car with two family members from Accra to Jirapa when the incident happened.

“In line with standard operating procedure, we immediately commenced an investigation into the incident, launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, and issued a statement to that effect on Saturday, May 28, 2022.

“In addition, the Inspector-General of Police and the Regional Police Commander, Savannah Region, have been in touch with the bereaved family to commiserate with them and assure them of a thorough investigation into the case,” the Police has said.

3 suspects arrested

Three suspects, including Benin and Mali nationals have been arrested by the Savannah Regional Police Patrol team in connection with the murder of a lawyer on the Bole-Bamboi road during the weekend.

The suspects who were arrested on Sunday, May 29, are currently in Police custody, assisting with investigations.

According to Police sources, one of the suspects whose name has been withheld is a foreigner and a casual worker at the Bole Cocoa Research Centre.

They were rounded up in their hideout with two others still on the run, the Savannah Regioal Police Command says.

Following intelligence gathered, the Police patrol team acted swiftly and effected the arrest of the three.