Over the years, the Upper West Region has been credited with the tag as the most peaceful region until the surge in criminal activities within the past years.
The predominant of these unlawful acts include petty theft, abduction, robbery, and murder among others.
The menace of crime has triggered several actions including police escorting travellers at night and the formation of vigilante groups by traditional leaders including the Wa Naa.
Recently, the head of Wa Naa’s taskforce had his phone dealership shop vandalized by suspected members of a criminal gang. Reports indicated that the miscreants retaliated after the taskforce arrested a member of the notorious gang with tramadol and other drugs.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, an Islamic cleric and a counsellor, Sheikh Ahmed Yakub called for a concerted effort in dealing with crime in the region.
He called on indigenes to pray for God’s intervention to redeem the youth who engage in criminal activities.
Shiekh Ahmed also advocated for criminals to be made to face the full rigours of the law.
He said “The prisons are not designed for animals but humans who go against the law. The positive aspect is that the prisons are correctional facilities which help transform people.
I visit the Wa prison regularly to provide counselling services for inmates. I met a criminal who is currently serving his jail term in the Wa prison and I can tell you on authority that, he now sells cooked rice to his colleagues.
He is a businessman within the prison and also leads Islamic prayers within the prison”
The celebrated Muslim scholar did not reveal the identity of the inmate in question.
Sheikh Ahmed further commended the bold actions of the taskforce in enforcing law and order.
“if these youngmen, with the support of Wa Naa, can risk their lives to keep sanity in our community, we must support them to succeed” he said.
