The Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy for Peace and Inclusive Communities (NAPAIC Ghana) has expressed its support for the Upper East Regional Police Command and the Black Maria Task Force, describing recent allegations against some police officers as unsubstantiated and capable of undermining the fight against crime

Presenting a petition to the Upper East Regional Minister for the Interior through Zuma Baba Yaro, the secretary of NAPAIC during a peaceful demonstration in Bolgatanga, the group said comments made by Anthony Namoo against the security agencies risk politicising crime and emboldening criminals operating in the region

According to NAPAIC Ghana, the deployment of the Black Maria Task Force has significantly improved security, restoring confidence among traders and investors and creating a safer environment for businesses to operate

The group stressed that while it does not support extrajudicial killings, allegations of unlawful conduct against police officers must be supported by credible and verifiable evidence

“NAPAIC Ghana does not subscribe to any extrajudicial killings. We repeat, we do not subscribe to any extrajudicial killings, but anyone making such allegations must provide uncontrovertible evidence,” the petition stated.

Vice president of NAPAIC Ghana, Akubulgo Zotipelba Ayeoh Duko urged critics to equally condemn the activities of armed robbers and other criminals whose operations have created fear among residents and disrupted businesses in the Upper East Region

He further criticised the mention of Upper East Regional Police Commander, ACP Bernard Baba Ananga, and his deputy in connection with alleged killings, arguing that the comments have exposed the officers and their families to threats after their photographs circulated on social media

The group commended the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister for the Interior, the Upper East Regional Police Command, the Black Maria Task Force, the CID Operational Team from Police Headquarters, and other security agencies for what it described as their commitment to combating crime in the region

It also encouraged individuals or organisations who believe they have been defamed by the comments to seek legal redress through the courts, assuring them of its support

Receiving the petition on behalf of the Upper East Regional minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the municipal chief executive of bolgatanga municipal, Hon. Roland Atanga assured the demonstrators that their concerns would be forwarded to the Minister and the appropriate authorities for consideration

He commended the organisers for conducting a peaceful demonstration and reaffirmed that peaceful protest remains a constitutional right of every Ghanaian citizen

“I want to assure you that this petition will be safely delivered to the Minister, who will in turn forward it to the appropriate authorities. Government has taken note of your concerns and will do what is required,” the representative said.

He also thanked the security agencies for ensuring law and order throughout the demonstration

Source – gbcuraonline.com

Residents and traders in Bolgatanga on Saturday July 18, 2026 staged a peaceful demonstration through the principal streets of the Upper East Regional capital Bolgatanga, calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to retain the Special Operations Team, popularly known as the “Black Maria” team, in the Region

The demonstrators, who carried placards with various inscriptions, said the continued presence of the Special Operations Team was essential to maintaining law and order and enhancing security in Bolgatanga and its surrounding communities

The protesters marched through the town before converging at the Regional Coordinating Council, where they presented a petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police.

The petition was received on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister by the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Roland Atanga Ayoo

Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, the petitioners appealed to the IGP to reconsider any decision to withdraw the Special Operations Team from Region

They argued that the team’s operations have contributed significantly to combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents, traders, and visitors.

Receiving the petition, Mr. Roland Atanga Ayoo assured the demonstrators that the concerns raised would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for consideration

He commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the demonstration and urged residents to continue supporting the security agencies in maintaining peace and security in the municipality

The demonstration ended peacefully without any reported incidents

Source – gbcuraonline.com