Canada warns citizens against "violent crime" in Ghana

General News on Friday, June 7, 2019

Source: Myjoyonline.com

2019-06-07

The Government of Canada's Tourism Information Guide has warned Canadian citizens against tourism in Ghana.

A tweet on June 5 warns Canadians that violent crimes, such as robbery and kidnapping, may occur while in Ghana.

"Be aware of your environment and avoid walking alone or showing signs of wealth," warned the Tweet.

Bailen Chitty, 19, and Lauren Patricia Catherine, 20, were forced to get in a vehicle around 8:20 pm, as they were leaving their apartment in Silver Spring, Kumasi.

The Canadian Embbady would work with the Ghanaian police to locate the victims.

Meanwhile, a person, a driver of Uber, is in custody for the incident.

Ohmeng Tawiah, of Joy News, revealed Thursday that the suspect was the driver who transported the Canadians from their hotel.

Ghanaian security agencies are in a state of alert following the recent increase in the number of kidnappings.

Not so long ago, a 30-year-old Indian was also abducted in Kumasi by gunmen.

The kidnappers claimed a ransom of US $ 500,000 after sending photos of the victim to his family, a weapon to the head.

Umpakan Chodri was later rescued in Parkoso, in the municipality of Asokore-Mampong, by a team of police officers.

Related: Aliens behind the kidnapping of an Indian businessman in Kumasi – Police

Prior to Umpakan's abduction, the police had foiled an abduction incident against ransom involving a diplomat.

Nabil Makram Basbous, 61-year-old consul general and head of the Estonian mission in Ghana, was also abducted during his usual morning walk in his neighborhood in Accra.

Basbous was kidnapped by three gunmen suspected of being Nigerians.

The ambbadador was held hostage in an unknown location until his rescue by the police.

Police are currently under pressure to rescue three girls kidnapped in Takoradi, Western Region.

Three girls are still missing after being abducted in Takoradi, the capital of the western region.

Recurrent abduction incidents remain a major concern for many Ghanaians, as kidnappings were a rare phenomenon in the past.

The government has promised to crack down on the kidnapping phenomenon in the country.