Residents of Lebanon zones 1 to 5 in the Ashaiman Municipality of the Greater Accra Region have expressed deep concern over increasing robbery incidents in their communities, blaming the lack of regular police patrols for the surge in crime.

Speaking at a community engagement forum organised by the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, residents recounted how armed robbers operating on motorbikes, and wielding guns and machetes, attack unsuspecting victims both at dawn and late at night.

They noted that market women and early morning workers now live in fear, with many avoiding movement at dawn due to the risk of having their bags and belongings snatched.

The residents, therefore, appealed directly to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yehuno, to deploy more patrols in the affected areas.

Responding to the concerns, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr  Freeman Tsekpo admitted that policing in Ashaiman was overstretched.

He explained that the municipality, with a population of over 300,000, has inadequate police logistics, particularly patrol motorbikes, to effectively combat crime.

“We are appealing to the Interior Minister and the IGP to provide the police with more motorbikes to strengthen night patrols and curb these incidents,” the MCE said.

Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Mr Ernest Norgbey, who also attended the meeting, acknowledged residents’ concerns but stressed that overall crime rates in the municipality had reduced in recent months.

He, however, pledged to support local security efforts by purchasing motorbikes for the police to enhance mobility and visibility.