According to the DCE, inadequate police infrastructure and the long distances between communities coupled with the deplorable state of roads continue to pose major security challenges in the area.
Mr Abdul-Karim noted that Kpandai is predominantly an agricultural district where disputes over land, chieftaincy-related disturbances and farmland frequently arise, stressing that the establishment of more security posts and the deployment of additional personnel would help ensure a timely response to incidents.
“We have witnessed pockets of land-related disputes and violence, which sometimes escalate into conflicts and attacks. Increased security presence can help prevent and contain such incidents,” he said.
Speaking in an interview with Graphic Online in response to concerns raised by residents over limited police visibility and delayed responses to incidents, Mr Abdul-Karim disclosed that the district assembly was considering the establishment of police posts in strategic communities, including Kumdi, Kabonwule, Lonto-Kpajai, and Gulubi-Quarters.
He said the proposed locations were strategically selected to strengthen security operations and improve access to policing services for residents.
“Kpandai has communities that are far apart, making it difficult for security personnel to respond quickly to incidents and deliver services effectively,” he stated.
Mr Abdul-Karim noted that due to the limited security presence, police officers often rely on assembly members and traditional authorities to manage security-related cases before personnel arrive at the scene.
He therefore appealed to the Ministry of the Interior and the Ghana Police Service, led by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), to deploy more personnel and support the construction of additional police infrastructure in the district.
The DCE expressed belief that increasing police presence in underserved communities would enhance public safety, boost residents’ confidence, and support development activities.
He also appealed to faith-based organisations, philanthropists, corporate institutions, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to assist in the construction of modern police stations in the district.
Touching on the abandoned District Police Headquarters and Ghana National Fire Service station projects, Mr Abdul-Karim said the assembly had begun furnishing and equipping the facilities to enable operations to commence soon.
“The two projects are currently being prepared for occupation by officers, and I can assure residents that in the coming weeks, Kpandai will have its District Police Headquarters operational,” he said.
He added that personnel had already been deployed to the fire station, while efforts were underway to secure accommodation for the district fire commander.
Mr Abdul-Karim further urged residents to cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace in the district, stressing that development could only thrive in a peaceful environment.
The Assembly Member for Gulubi Electoral Area, Daniel Ntesil Mbamoen, thanked the DCE and the assembly for heeding calls for additional police stations and posts to improve access to security services and address growing safety concerns.
According to him, the vast nature of the district, especially, the Western Kpandai coupled with a bad road network, inadequate security infrastructure and personnel, has made access to policing services difficult, particularly in remote communities. He noted that long distances to the nearest police stations often delay response times and reduce police visibility.
“We feel cut off. When something happens, getting help is not easy. Sometimes we are forced to handle situations on our own,” Daniel Ntesil said.
Residents also warned that the lack of adequate security infrastructure could contribute to the proliferation of illicit firearms and worsen communal and land disputes if police presence is not strengthened.
They argued that beyond maintaining law and order, improved security infrastructure was essential for economic activities, education, and healthcare delivery in the district.
