Canada warns citizens about ‘violent crimes’ in Ghana

The Government of Canada’s travel information guide has warned Canadian citizens about travelling to Ghana.

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

”Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone or displaying signs of wealth,” the Tweet further warned.

Bailen Chitty, 19 years and Lauren Patricia Catherine, 20 years, were forced into a vehicle at about 8:20 pm just when they had stepped out of their apartment at Silver Spring in Kumasi.

The Canadian Embassy is said to be collaborating with the Ghanaian police to locate the victims.

Meanwhile, one person, an Uber driver, is in police custody over the incident.

Although the identity of the driver remains undisclosed, Joy News’ Ohemeng Tawiah reported Thursday that the suspect is believed to be the driver who transported the Canadians from their hotel.

Ghanaian security agencies are on high alert following a recent spike in kidnapping cases.

Not too long ago, a 30-year-old Indian man was also kidnapped in Kumasi by gun-wielding men.

The kidnappers demanded a $500,000 ransom after sending photos of the victim to his family with a gun pointed to his head.

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

Related: Foreigners behind kidnapping of Indian businessman in Kumasi – Police

Before Umpakan’s abduction, police had foiled a kidnap-for-ransom incident involving a diplomat.

Sixty-one-year-old Nabil Makram Basbous, the Consular-General and Head of Mission of Estonia to Ghana was also kidnapped during his regular morning walk in his neighbourhood in Accra.

Basbous was abducted by three gunmen suspected to be Nigerians.

The ambassador was held hostage in an unknown location until he was rescued by the Police.

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

Meanwhile, three girls remain missing after they were reported kidnapped in Takoradi, the Western Region capital.

The recurring incidents of kidnappings remain a major concern for many Ghanaians as kidnappings were a rare phenomenon in the past.

Government has promised to get tough on the phenomenon of kidnappings in the country.