The United States of America Embassy in Accra has issued out a security warning to all US citizens in Ghana, concerning some communities in the capital city of the country.
Per the security alert which came few days ago, American citizens are warned to avoid visiting some 5 suburbs of Accra over the issue of “growing crime rates”. These places include: Avenor, Sowutuom, Sukura, Agbobloshie and Ashaiman; all in the Greater Accra region of Ghana.
The message further gave out other alertness tips to US citizens in Ghana which included: reviewing their personal security plans, being aware of their surroundings, following local news updates, being vigilant, and keeping to instructions of local authorities.
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The notice which was posted on the US Embassy’s website reads:
The U. S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that, due to credible reports of growing crime rates, U.S. Embassy personnel have been instructed to avoid the following precincts of Accra: Avenor Sowutuom Sukura Agbobloshie
Ashaiman (located in the Tema Region), Nima *(see below)
*Except when traveling via the main highway past Nima.
U. S. citizens are encouraged to avoid the same areas.
Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.
Why Exactly Should US Citizens in Ghana Avoid The Above Places?
US Embassy’s security alert comes at the heels of the burning and destruction of spare parts worth thousands of cedis few weeks ago, at the Articulator Park at Avenor. The act was perpetrated by a group of agitators who were protesting the construction of stores by a private developer on a piece of land they claim belongs to them.
The two opposing sides are laying claim to the piece of land said to be a state property left undeveloped all these while due to an interlocutory injunction. Owing to the development, the Police have been on high alert in Avenor to avert a possible bloody face-off between the clashing groups.
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On the part of Sowutuom, some angry residents last week, threatened to attack Nigerians living in the community following the stabbing to death of one Ghanaian, Peter Thompson, by a Nigerian over theft allegations.
However, the Greater Accra Regional Police Command subsequently deployed a large number of policemen to the area to forestall possible outbreak of violence and more bloodshed.
Although the other three places – Agblogbloshie, Nima and Ashaiman, have not recorded significant incidents of crime and violence in recent times, they have always been known as very notorious areas; hence their inclusion in the US Embassy security alert.
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