By King Amoah
In recent weeks, the issue of armed robbery has escalated to alarming levels in many parts of Ghana, particularly in urban centers like Kumasi.
Local traders, residents, and community leaders are expressing growing frustration over the increased frequency of these violent crimes, diverting attention away from political matters and prioritizing the need for safety and security.
Speaking in an interview in reaction to the menace, Sarah Acquah, a trader based in Kumasi Asafo, is one of the many individuals who have been victimized by this wave of crime.
According to her she recently, endured a harrowing experience when three teenage boys attacked her at knifepoint in the bustling Kejetia market area, a place known for its vibrant commerce.
Sarah recounted the terrifying ordeal, emphasizing the fear that now grips traders and shoppers alike, a fear that was once foreign to the community.
“I used to feel safe in my own neighborhood, but now I look over my shoulder whenever I’m out,” Sarah shared.
Stressing “our focus should be on our safety and ensuring that such incidents don’t happen again; instead, it feels like we’re stuck in a cycle of political discussions that distract from the real issues affecting our daily lives.”
As political figures engage in debates and campaigns, local citizens are calling for a shift in priorities, demanding that law enforcement agencies adopt effective strategies to curb these violent crimes before they escalate further.
For Sarah she aptly put it, “We need to focus on solutions that ensure we can work and thrive without constant fear.”
It is time for both community leaders and elected officials to respond decisively to this urgent request for change, the trader intoned.
