REGSEC tightens security in Asawase after deadly attacks
By Rebecca Okine
The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has pledged to maintain a strong security presence in Asawase and other emerging hotspots following a series of deadly attacks that have unsettled the community.
The heightened measures stem from the unresolved murders of two men in late July, including Alhaji Abdul-Malik Azenbe, the Kusasi Chief of the Ashanti Region.
He was shot dead outside his home on 22 July by unidentified gunmen on a motorbike armed with an AK-47 rifle.
Three days later, another man was killed in a similar motorbike-enabled attack.
The incidents sparked fear and anxiety in Asawase, a community once noted for its vibrancy. In response, REGSEC, working with the Interior Ministry, rolled out a security crackdown from 1 August involving police and military patrols, checkpoints, and stop-and-search operations.
Authorities also imposed a ban on motorbike use after 7 p.m. to curb further attacks.
Speaking at a recent press briefing, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene assured residents that the situation was under control.
“We have put up a robust system to combat the peculiar situation we’re confronted with. As and when we identify new hotspots, we do the deployment. By and large, after the intervention by REGSEC and the Interior Ministry, we have been able to have good control of the security situation in the region, so we’re safe,” he said.
Since the crackdown, police have impounded several motorbikes that flouted the restrictions and carried out intelligence-led operations across Asawase and Asokore Mampong. Weapons suspected to be linked to the crimes have also been seized.
Regional police say investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
REGSEC maintains that its continued presence in Asawase is vital to preventing further unrest and rebuilding trust in the wake of the killings.
Meanwhile, community leaders and residents are calling for stronger collaboration with security agencies to restore peace and public confidence.
