Chief Inspector Francis Larbi of the Teshie Police Station has publicly disputed a claim by Gomoa Central Member of Parliament Kwame Asare Obeng, known as A Plus, that Teshie is the most dangerous community in Ghana. Larbi acknowledged that the Ghana Police Service maintains internal rankings of dangerous communities but said Teshie does not appear in those records.
A Plus made the remarks following the reported killing of a phone dealer identified as Nana Yaw Kyere, aka Dinero, near the Teshie-Manet area. He cited five specific concerns to support his position, including criminal activity and general lawlessness in the area, reluctance of ride-hailing drivers to accept night trips to Teshie, and the presence of several major military and security institutions in the community.
According to Larbi, community safety assessments within the police service are evidence-based, and anecdotal claims do not meet the threshold for designating a community as dangerous. He emphasized that verified crime statistics are required to support such a classification, and that reported crime figures from Teshie over the years do not support the portrayal offered by A Plus.
The dispute reflects a broader tension between elected representatives raising constituency concerns and security agencies defending their own data and community standing. Larbi's response drew a clear line between public perception and official classification, highlighting the importance of relying on verified data when assessing community safety.
The killing of Dinero formed one of the key points in A Plus's argument, who said the incident, combined with the broader pattern of security concerns, should compel both residents and authorities to push for stronger leadership and a more visible security presence in Teshie. The case has garnered significant attention, with three suspects appearing before the Teshie-Nungua District Court in connection with the kidnapping and murder.
The court appearance of the suspects was marked by chaotic scenes, with footage showing the accused being escorted through a crowd of onlookers, many filming and hooting as the charged scene unfolded. The case was adjourned to October 16, 2026, as the court process continues.
The exchange between Larbi and A Plus highlights the complexities of community safety assessments and the need for evidence-based evaluations. As the debate continues, residents and authorities will be watching closely to see how the situation in Teshie evolves and how safety concerns are addressed.
Key points
- The Ghana Police Service maintains internal rankings of dangerous communities, but Teshie does not appear in those records.
- Verified crime statistics are required to support the classification of a community as dangerous.
- The dispute between Larbi and A Plus reflects a broader tension between elected representatives and security agencies over community safety assessments.
