Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central in the Central Region, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A-Plus, has raised concerns over what he describes as a deteriorating security situation in Teshie in the Greater Accra Region.
The lawmaker has described Teshie as “the most dangerous place in Ghana right now”, arguing that reports of criminal activity and growing concerns among residents and commercial transport operators require urgent attention from the relevant authorities.
“The most dangerous place in Ghana right now is Teshie! I have upgraded it from Greater Accra to Ghana,” A-Plus wrote on social media.
According to him, Teshie was once regarded as a quiet and peaceful community but has, in his assessment, experienced a worrying decline in public safety.
His comments come amid reports that some ride-hailing drivers are increasingly reluctant to accept trips to parts of Teshie and neighbouring areas after dark due to security concerns.
A-Plus also rejected comparisons between the security situation in Teshie and the recent land-related disturbances in Gomoa.
He said the incident in Gomoa was brought under control shortly after it occurred, with persons suspected of criminal conduct arrested and calm restored.
The Gomoa Central MP further objected to descriptions of the incident as “renewed violence”, arguing that such a characterization could create the impression that the area is historically associated with recurring violence and persistent lawlessness.
He maintained that Gomoa has leadership capable of responding to security threats and pledged to continue opposing land-guard activities and other forms of criminality within the constituency.
“I am on top of the issues, and nobody, absolutely nobody will be allowed to shelter criminals, engage in criminal activity or conspire to commit crimes with impunity,” he stated.
The recent Gomoa-Effutu disturbances were linked to a longstanding land dispute and resulted in deaths, injuries and arrests.
A-Plus’ concerns also centre on reports he says he has received from the ride-hailing sector.
He claimed that some ride-hailing companies had held security meetings with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service to discuss measures to address crime-related concerns in Teshie.
According to him, the level of concern has affected the willingness of some drivers to accept trips to the community at night.
He cited what he described as a striking contrast in drivers’ willingness to accept trips to different parts of Accra after dark.
“You can request a ride to Ashaiman, Kasoa or Nima at 1 a.m., yet getting a driver to take you to Teshie after 8 p.m. has become nearly impossible,” he claimed.
A-Plus argued that the situation is serious enough to challenge perceptions about the relative safety of various communities in the Greater Accra Region.
He said the reported reluctance of drivers to operate in Teshie at night should prompt authorities to investigate the underlying causes and take appropriate measures to protect residents, commuters and commercial drivers.
While reports have pointed to security concerns in parts of Teshie and Nungua, the Ghana Police Service has not officially designated the communities cited by drivers as a formal list of dangerous areas.
A-Plus also questioned how criminal activity could persist in a community that hosts several major security and military institutions.
He pointed to the presence of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, the Headquarters of the Southern Command, other military training facilities and a military shooting range.
For the MP, the presence of these institutions makes reports of persistent insecurity in parts of the community particularly concerning.
“Yet lawlessness continues to flourish around one of the greatest concentrations of security institutions in the country,” he said.
His comments come against the backdrop of heightened public discussion about night-time security in parts of Teshie-Nungua, following reports of criminal incidents and concerns raised by some commercial drivers.
A-Plus, however, stopped short of suggesting that every part of Teshie is unsafe, instead urging authorities and community leaders to take the concerns seriously and address any identified security gaps.
The Gomoa Central MP urged residents to channel their concerns into demands for concrete action rather than trading insults with those who raise questions about security.
He said public criticism or disagreements would not protect residents from criminals and that the focus should instead be on strengthening security within communities.
“You can insult me if you wish. No problem. But insults will not protect you when the criminals come after you,” he said.
He called on residents to demand greater accountability from authorities responsible for public safety.
“Use that energy to demand leadership. Demand action. Demand security for your community,” he added.
A-Plus’ intervention has therefore brought renewed attention to concerns about security in Teshie, particularly regarding night-time movement and the experiences of ride-hailing drivers.
His comments also place the spotlight on the need for security agencies, local authorities, community leaders and transport operators to work together to identify the causes of reported criminal activity and strengthen measures to protect residents and commuters.
By 1960news.com
