The Incidence of Crime and Implications for Crime Management in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region, Ghana

Abstract

Informed by the Broken Window Theory, this study investigated the incidence of crime in the Wa Municipality of Ghana and its implications for policy and crime management planning. The study employed an exploratory sequential mixed method for data collection in four communities within the Wa Municipality, namely, Dondoli, Bamahu, Mangu, and Kumbiehe. The methods of data collection included Focus Group Discussion (FDGs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and a Survey of 180 households. The result showed that stealing (theft), burglary, robbery, banditry and illegal abortion were the common crimes in the Municipality. For crime management planning, the study recommends that community participation should be strengthened through revitalization of Neighbourhood Watch Committees (NWC) in the communities for effective crime prevention and management.