Residents of Tsakpe New Town in the Kpando Municipality of the Volta Region are raising concerns over a surge in criminal activities allegedly linked to the operations of scrap dealers in the area.
The situation has prompted the Assembly Member for the area, Mr. Paul Mawusi Kodzo Awaworkodzo, to call on the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Kpando, Mr. Killian Donkor, to intervene with immediate measures to restore safety.
According to community reports, cases of theft, harassment, and suspicious night movements believed to involve some scrap collectors have become increasingly common.
Residents say the trend has created growing fear and insecurity, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
Speaking at this year’s 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration held in Tsakpe New Town, the Assembly Member expressed deep concern about the escalating situation, noting that several complaints have been lodged by affected households.
“We are aware of the challenges confronting us as a community. The cases of crime within the community have become rampant, and some underlying factors contributing to these crimes are the scrap dealers moving from home to home to pick condemned items. These people engage in stealing valuables when residents are not home,” he stated.
He stressed that while scrap dealing is a legitimate business, a few bad actors are hiding under the trade to commit crimes.
“We cannot allow criminal elements to disguise themselves as scrap collectors. Measures must be put in place to identify and regulate the genuine operators,” he added.
The Assembly Member is therefore calling on the Kpando MCE and the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) to deploy interventions such as increased police patrols, proper registration of scrap dealers, and community sensitization efforts to curb the menace.
Residents of Tsakpe New Town have welcomed the call for action, urging authorities to act swiftly before the situation worsens.
In an interview with Adom News, the MCE assured the Assembly Member and residents that MUSEC will deploy appropriate interventions, including enhanced police patrols, registration of scrap dealers, and community awareness activities to address the problem.
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