In a brazen and violent attack, a gang of eight heavily armed robbers struck fear into the hearts of road users traveling from Donkorkrom to Adawso in the Kwahu Afram Plains in the Eastern Region on Tuesday, April 22.
The incident, which occurred around 4:00 AM, has left traders, commuters, and residents shaken and calling for increased security measures in the region.
The Attack
According to eyewitnesses, the robbers, armed with AK-47 rifles, stopped seven vehicles making their way toward the Afram River crossing.
The gunmen stole mobile phones and cash from drivers, passengers, and traders, assaulting those who were unable to provide significant amounts of money.
In one disturbing instance, a motorcyclist who attempted to escape during the robbery was slashed on the arm by the robbers.
A Worrying Trend
This recent robbery is part of a worrying trend in the Kwahu Afram Plains, which includes the Kwahu Afram Plains North and South Districts.
The region has long struggled with frequent highway robberies, often attributed to poor road conditions and insufficient security measures.
Despite previous interventions by the Ghana Police Service, which deployed the Anti-Robbery Unit and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams to the area, robbery incidents have surged again in the Afram Plains over the past few months.
Economic Impact
The frequent robberies have discouraged commercial activity in the area, as traders are increasingly hesitant to travel through the region.
The Kwahu Afram Plains is often referred to as the country’s food basket, due to its vital role in agriculture.
The growing impact of these robberies on the region’s economy is a cause for concern, with many residents calling for more robust security measures to curb the rise in highway robberies.
Action
Local residents are demanding that the authorities address the underlying issues that fuel such crimes, particularly the lack of road infrastructure and security personnel in key areas.
