The MCE gave the assurance at a Town Hall Meeting organized by the Justice and Peace Committee of the Bawku Catholic Church in collaboration with the Bawku Municipal Assembly.

It was held under the theme: "Community Participation in Local Governance".

The meeting created an avenue for interaction by various sectors of the community.

Hajia Ninchema expressed her delight in the reduction of the crime situation in the area saying it is in the interest of government that Bawku remains peaceful to assume its rightful place as the commercial nerve of the business environment in the country.

She said as part of ensuring that peace and economic activities moves in tandem with the protection of the environment, the Assembly has joined the effort to promote the planting of trees in the municipality.

She urged the people to plant trees around their homes and communities, adding that "trees do not only beautify the environment but also serve medicinal purposes and protect our houses from storms and bad weather".

The meeting was attended by staff of the Environmental Health Directorate, some members of the clergy, assembly members and a representative of the Ghana Police Service.

Detective Inspector Kofi Hilary of the Municipal Police Service in Bawku deliberated on the crime situation in the area and cautioned the public on the need to desist from smuggling fertilizers to neighbouring countries.

He urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and monitor the activities of their children saying juvenile crime was on the increase.

Inspector Hilary also cautioned churches, mosques, and large organizations to be watchful for possible terrorist attacks, and urged members of the society to report any suspicious event, activities or strangers for interrogation.