An action last week by gunmen close to the Police Headquarters, which was perceived by intelligent minds as dress rehearsal for major onslaughts, have started unfolding.
At least, two persons, a policeman and woman have been shot dead by gunmen who attacked a bullion van at Adedenkpo Timber Market, near Agbogbloshie, in the capital, Accra.
The driver of the bullion van, who sustained gunshot injuries was said to be in critical condition at the hospital.
An eyewitness told The Chronicle that few minutes after midday, the Montrans bullion, with registration GT 8592-W, was attacked by four persons on four motorcycles and some in a taxi cab, armed with AK47 Assault Rifles.
The gunmen shot dead Number 58449 General Constable Emmanuel Osei of the National SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) based at the Police Headquarters, whose AK47 Assault Rifle was taken away. Also looted by the criminals were unspecified amounts of money from the distressed bullion van.
The witness stated that in the heat of the action, the cashier on board, Grace Essel, reportedly rushed out and sought refuge in a nearby store, while the driver, only named as Wisdom, who was shot in the arm, was later transported to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for treatment.
A woman pedestrian, Afia Badu, 40, who on seeing the happening raised alarm, was chased and also shot dead in a kiosk.
Meanwhile, the Police Service has issued a statement on the incident, giving detailed information on what it has gathered so far and also reminded the Association of Bankers to provide fortified armoured vehicles.
In the statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs Unit, Sheilla Kessie Abayie-Buckman, the Inspector General, James Oppong-Boanuh, is said to have given the Association of Bankers close of June, to provide fortified armoured vehicle for carting currencies.
The statement indicates the position taken by the IGP is a reminder to the Association, as the two stakeholders, police and the association had “earlier agreed” on that.
According to the release, the IGP says should the Association of Bankers fail to provide fortified armoured vehicles for carting currencies by the end of this month, “the Police [will] withdraw its officers for escort duties.”
The Police said: “Preliminary investigation shows that unidentified armed men on a number of motorbikes crossed the bullion van which was on a pay/collection errand at about 11:00 hours and shot at the police officer who was on escort duty on the van, killing him instantly.”
It adds that: “The armed men also fired sporadically in the air and on the driver, who sustained gunshot wounds and is responding to treatment.
“A hawker was also killed by the armed men… Two Ladies in the van, tellers of Mon-tran, escaped unhurt but were sent to the hospital to be treated for trauma…”
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