Ashanti police to boost security

In addition to the patrols, the police would arrest and prosecute motor riders who rode unlicensed motorbikes and drivers who flouted road safety regulations.

Mr Gyening warned against any form of interference during police operations, saying, “We don’t want friends and family members to harass us after we arrest suspected criminals and trouble makers.”

“We are ready to offer you the needed protection throughout the Christmas festivities to enable you to carry out your lawful economic ventures and enjoy yourselves,” he assured the people of the region.

Ninety motorbikes were impounded during the December 7, 2012 general election in parts of the region.

Mr Gyening explained that the seizure of the motorbikes was to prevent riders from using their bikes to commit electoral offences.

The police are now investigating a number of electoral offences committed during the election.

Some of the cases involved multiple registration, double voting, post-election disturbances, as well as assaults at Offinso, Ayeduase in Kumasi and Sompaduase, near the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

At Sanso, near Obuasi, a suspect, one Gariba Muhammed, is alleged to have fired gunshots to create confusion in the community.

Story by George Ernest Asare