In a terrifying encounter on the Berekum-Drobo highway, two chief executives narrowly escaped an armed robbery. Mr. Andrews Bediako, the Jaman South Municipal Chief Executive, and Mr. Solomon Owusu, the Jaman North District Chief Executive, were traveling back to their districts after a meeting in Sunyani when they were ambushed.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM. As they drove along the Fetentaa stretch of the highway, a group of five armed robbers suddenly emerged from the roadside, firing gunshots and demanding that the vehicles stop.
Mr. Bediako recounted the ordeal to the Ghana News Agency, describing how the robbers attacked their vehicles. "They just appeared from the shoulder of the road, firing shots randomly and signaling us to stop. They even broke my windscreen with a piece of wood, but we managed to speed off from the terrible scene," he explained.
The robbers had targeted market women and traders who were traveling from Drobo and Sampa to Berekum and Sunyani. This particular stretch of the highway, near the Fetentaa Refugee Camp in the Berekum West District, has been a hotspot for such incidents, putting travelers at risk.
During the robbery, the engine of Mr. Owusu's vehicle, a fellow District Chief Executive, broke down, adding to the danger. Despite this setback, both executives managed to escape unharmed. "We quickly called the police and warned all the vehicles coming from the opposite direction. Sensing danger, the robbers fled into the bush," Mr. Bediako said.
The incident highlights the increasing threat of highway robberies in the Bono Region, particularly targeting vulnerable groups like traders and market women. The bravery and quick thinking of Mr. Bediako and Mr. Owusu undoubtedly saved their lives and potentially those of others on the road.
Local authorities have urged travelers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Efforts are being made to increase security patrols in the area to prevent such attacks and ensure the safety of those traveling on these highways.
The police are actively investigating the incident and are calling on the public to provide any information that could lead to the capture of the robbers. Community leaders are also being encouraged to engage with residents to raise awareness about the dangers of highway robberies and how to respond if confronted.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved security measures and a coordinated response to combat crime in the region. The safety of travelers is paramount, and authorities are committed to taking necessary actions to protect citizens and maintain peace in the area.
The Bono Region has seen a rise in similar incidents, prompting calls for enhanced law enforcement and community cooperation to address the problem. As the investigation continues, residents hope for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore confidence in the safety of the region's roads.
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