The SVD Ghana Media (Verbo Media) has been facing a series of alarming security breaches, with repeated attacks by robbers and hooligans threatening its mission of evangelization and media outreach.
The wave of incidents began when a supposed customer requested to use the facility’s washroom, only for staff to later discover that a hard drive had gone missing. This was followed by multiple robbery operations targeting the media center on different occasions, leading to substantial losses.
The most devastating of these incidents occurred in January 2025 when robbers forcefully entered the facility by destroying the electrified burglary-proof window. They looted various pieces of essential media equipment, further crippling the center’s ability to function.
As if the thefts were not enough, an act of pure vandalism soon followed. In a nighttime attack, an unidentified hooligan used a large stone to shatter the facility’s big glass display window. While nothing was stolen in this particular incident, the act sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns over the safety and security of the center. Items stolen and destroyed are ranging at about 80,000 Ghana cedis.
The director of Verbo media, Rev. Fr. Rex A. Vegbey, SVD express the extent of the damage these vandalism and robberies have caused to the operations of the institution. “These robberies have reversed our efforts in equipping the centre with the necessary gear. We have lost a chunk of the province files including videos and photos which were on the Hard drives as we could not afford back-up drives”, he said. He added that due to fear of the return of the robbers, the workers of the facility are living in fear, this has even affected how customer are served at the facility. “We are scared at the facility as we suspect the robbers may return during the day since the night did not give them the money they were expecting. This has made us to shut the door to the shop and serving customers through a pigeon hole. As a result, customers have no access to see the items displayed in the shop. We are confused as to what to do. The scare has heightened with the recent killings of momo cashiers as reported in the media. About a week ago two motor riders attacked a ‘koko’ (Ghanaian local porridge) seller in front of our facility and made away with her morning sales. Only last week, a hooligan destroyed our sign-post.’.
The management of the facility are appealing to the general public to help the facility in anyway they can to help improve their security and also restock the place.
