The Obeyeyie Forest Estate Landlords Association has expressed deep concern over insecurity situation in the community, attributing the surge in crime to a total lack of street lighting.
According to the association, security issues that were once overlooked have escalated into grave threats to lives and property.
Criminal activities have reportedly intensified under the cover of darkness, leaving residents vulnerable.
The leadership has revealed that the level of insecurity has reached an alarming peak, forcing many residents who recently moved to the area to abandon their homes and return to their previous settlements for fear of being attacked by hoodlums.
Speaking to 1960news.com during the group’s maiden cleanup exercise, the Association Chairman, Patrick Adu Opoku, emphasized that local policing is now a necessity to tackle the “hydra-headed” challenge of insecurity.
“We no longer feel safe going out alone. This is why we organized this cleanup to clear the overgrown bushes being used as hideouts for criminals and to keep our environment clean.”
Patrick Adu Opoku, Chairman, Obeyeyie Forest Estate Landlords Association
Mr. Opoku further explained that the association is currently collaborating with the Ga Central Police Command to establish a community watchdog committee and secure the installation of street lights to safeguard the neighborhood.
The Vice Chairman, Alexander Owusu Gyan, raised concerns regarding the activities of landguards, citing the ripple effect these groups have on individuals trying to develop their properties.
He advised landlords to carefully study their land indentures and settle all necessary requirements with traditional leaders, the custodians of the land to avoid harassment.
Echoing this sentiment, the General Secretary, Pastor Richard Nii Annan Noi, noted that many landlords fall victim to harassment because they overlook specific clauses in their indentures.
Pastor Richard Nii Annan Noi, Secretary, Obeyeyie Forest Estate Landlords
He thus urged property owners to be more diligent in their legal documentation to prevent landguard interference.
The cleanup exercise saw a high turnout from the community.
Participants cleared bushy areas, desilted choked gutters, and removed illegal dumping sites.
The Landlords Association has vowed to make the cleanup a monthly event, reaffirming their commitment to making Obeyeyie a safer and better place to live.
By 1960news.com
