Tuesday, 23 January 2018

Should Armed Robbery Be Made An Offence Punishable By Mandatory Death Sentences?

The shocking news that armed men had attacked the Kwabenya Police Station, freed suspects being kept in cells there, and shot dead a police officer on top, has left many Ghanaians fearful and wondering whether they are safe in their own homes these days.

Unfortunately, if  as a people we remain a soft touch for hardened criminals - some from across West Africa - because we seem to be totally unaware of  the dangers some of them pose to the long-term stability of our nation, such daring armed raids on police stations will continue and ordinary people will daily face the risk of being terrorised by armed robbers.

Clearly, some criminals who carry guns have a shoot-to-kill policy. If we are  to be successful in halting the perpetrators of such serious crimes, then - to use a phrase much beloved of Commissioner of Police  Mr. Kofi Boakye - the security agencies must match them "boot to boot".

Above all, would it not  help if Parliament passed a new law - under a certificate of urgency - making armed robbery and  the murder by armed robbers of  civilians and security agency personnel, offences punishable by mandatory death sentences? And would such a move not also send a clear message to criminals from across West Africa who target Ghana for its easy pickings?   Enough is enough.  Haaba.

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