Some residents of Sabon Zongo in the Asokore Mampong Municipality were on Thursday displaced following a demolition exercise by the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly.
The Asokore Mampong Municipal Chief Executive, Ben Abdallah Alhassan, said the exercise became necessary following persistent complaints about rising crime in the area heightening security concerns.
He cited the lynching of a 27-year-old man accused of stealing GH¢4,800 and the discovery of the body of an unidentified young man in the area recently. The Assembly said it gave prior notice to residents, including cattle ranchers, mechanics and traders, before the demolition.
Armed police and military officers were deployed to provide security and maintain order as the demolition team from the Assembly demolished the structures in the area known as a haven for criminals.
According to the Asokore Mampong MCE, the affected settlement has for years been associated with illegal activities, including drug trafficking and other forms of crime.
He said the demolition forms part of efforts to restore security and reclaim the area.
Ben Abdallah Alhassan disclosed that five out of eight suspects on the radar of the Assembly have been arrested and are currently pursuing three others.
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