Residents of Ashiyie in the Greater Accra Region are demanding police protection following attacks by armed thugs – popularly called land guards – contracted to terrorize one or several owners of disputed lands.

The residents say they are living in fear and have asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Asante-Apeatu, to heighten security in the area.

A troubled resident, Dr. Martin Luther on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem said the land guards are harassing and forcing them out of their properties.

He said the Land Guards have on many occasions subjected care takers of some of the properties to severe physical assault.

Dr. Lurther said sometimes, these armed thugs fire gunshots sporadically, scaring children, innocent families, and the entire community.

He cited how a pastor in the area was beaten to pulp by these land guards for insisting on his right.

The distraught resident said they have made countless report to the Adenta-Abokobi Divisional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joseph Antwi Gyawu to no avail.

“The land guards claim they are acting on the orders of the Adenta-Abokobi Police Commander so we want him to come out to deny otherwise the blood of anyone who dies will be on his head” he fumed.

Dr. Martin Lurther said they will be petitioning the IGP, Asante-Apeatu to intervene.