Ghana Police Impose Movement Restrictions on Personnel in Bawku and Surrounding Areas Amid Rising Attacks

The Ghana Police Service has issued an immediate ban on the movement of its personnel—including both indigenes and non-indigenes—in Bawku, Binduri, Pusiga, and Garu due to escalating security threats. The directive comes after intelligence reports indicated that police officers and their families have become targets of attacks by unknown assailants in these areas.

Heightened Security Concerns

In a wireless message issued by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) J. W. Darison, the Police Administration expressed alarm over the increasing danger faced by officers in Bawku and its environs. The directive strictly prohibits personnel from traveling to Bawku and restricts movement within Pusiga and Binduri, even for officers originally stationed in these regions.

To mitigate risks, officers deployed on operational duties in these areas must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and operate under armored escort at all times. The message also highlighted Garu as a potential danger zone, urging strict compliance with the new measures.

Deadly Attack in Binduri Sparks Urgency

The security alert follows a brutal attack in Binduri, where an unidentified man was shot and killed near Atuba, a suburb of Binduri Central. Reports indicate that the assailants set both the victim’s body and his motorcycle ablaze after the shooting. While authorities have yet to confirm the motive, preliminary assessments suggest a possible connection to the longstanding Bawku chieftaincy conflict, which has seen a resurgence of violence in recent weeks.

IGP’s Appeal for Peace Amid Rising Tensions

This latest incident occurred less than 24 hours after the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, visited Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II to discuss strategies for restoring peace. During the meeting, the IGP emphasized the need for collaboration between traditional leaders and security agencies to de-escalate tensions. He assured the public of the police’s neutrality and professionalism in handling the crisis.

The visit came in response to concerns raised by the Kusaug Youth, who accused some police officers of misconduct in the region. Meanwhile, the Mamprugu Youth Association (MAYA) has condemned the Binduri attack, urging the government to increase security presence and restrict motorcycle usage—a common means of transportation for armed assailants.

Calls for Immediate Action

MAYA has also called on Binduri Member of Parliament, Mahmoud Issifu, to take urgent steps to address the growing insecurity in the constituency. The group warned that without swift intervention, the violence could spiral further out of control.

As tensions persist, the police directive underscores the volatile security situation in the Upper East Region, with authorities working to prevent further attacks on law enforcement and civilians alike. The public is urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to restore stability in the affected areas.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com