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Women at Ashaiman Roman Down have been subjected to extreme levels of assault by some armed robbers in the area due to the absence of streetlights.

The robbers take advantage of the poor lighting in the area to rob residents of their phones, money and other belongings.

Women who do not have money on them are reportedly subjected to beating and "vaginal inspections" by the opportunistic robbers. Fear of assault is compelling women in the area to rely on male escorts to make their journeys home at night.

Joy News’ Kwetey Nartey was in the area and spoke to some residents who complained bitterly about the occurrence and called for assistance. He reports that the residents retire to their various homes as early as 6pm to avoid being attacked by the robbers.

A 14-year-old girl recounted how her mother was attacked by the robbers and beaten up. The robbers had demanded that she release the money on her and when she failed to provide any, assaulted her

Residents say the unavailability of streetlights and the lack of adequate security makes leaving their homes at night a huge risk. They are appealing to local authorities to fix functioning street lights in the area to save them from armed robbers’ attacks at night.

Assemblyman for the Obakatwe electoral area, Thomas Adongo says the activities of the robbers are a dilemma he has been struggling to find an antidote to. He said the community needs just about ten light poles to light the streets. Mr Adongo appealed for increased police presence and requested that the police on night patrol make their emergency numbers available to residents for prompt assistance any time they are in danger.