NAPAIC-Ghana hails Police for restoring peace in Upper East, rejects unsubstantiated killing claims

The National Patriots Against Injustice and Corruption Ghana (NAPAIC-Ghana) has commended the Ghana Police Service for what it describes as significant improvements in security across the Upper East Region, while strongly rejecting allegations of extrajudicial killings levelled against the police by the Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Anthony Namoo.

Addressing a press conference at the Bolgatanga Central Market on Sunday, July 5, the civil society organisation said recent security interventions, particularly the operations of the Inspector-General of Police's special anti-crime taskforce, popularly known as Black Maria, have restored confidence among residents and created a safer environment for businesses to thrive.

The group was responding to remarks made by Mr. Namoo during a remembrance ceremony held on June 30, 2026, in honour of the three High Court judges murdered 44 years ago. .

During his address, the GBA Chairman alleged that police officers had arrested some young men under the guise of transporting them to Accra before allegedly killing them along the way.

NAPAIC-Ghana described the allegations as serious but unsubstantiated, insisting that such claims should be backed by credible evidence, particularly when made by a legal practitioner.

Reading a statement on behalf of the organisation, Secretary Zumah B. Yaro said the group did not support extrajudicial killings under any circumstances but maintained that allegations capable of damaging the reputation of state institutions must be supported by verifiable facts.

"As a lawyer, it would have been appropriate for him to substantiate his claims. We find such statements disturbing because they have the potential to erode public confidence in the security agencies," the statement noted.

The organisation also criticised the Ghana Bar Association for failing to recognise what it described as the positive impact of the Black Maria taskforce in combating violent crime in the Upper East Region.

According to NAPAIC-Ghana, the region had experienced a surge in armed robberies and violent attacks before the deployment of the special police unit.

It credited the taskforce, together with the Upper East Regional Police Command under Deputy Commissioner of Police John Ferguson Dzineku, with helping to restore peace and significantly reduce criminal activities.

The group noted that traders and residents who previously lived in fear are now able to conduct their daily activities with greater confidence due to the enhanced security presence.

It further reminded the public that several lives had been lost to criminal activities in the region, including the killing of a police officer on the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway and multiple armed robbery attacks targeting traders during the first half of 2026.

"The lives of police officers matter. The lives of traders matter. Every life matters," the organisation stressed, urging the GBA to equally condemn attacks on police officers, traders, teachers, nurses, immigration officers and other innocent victims of violent crime.

The press conference attracted scores of traders and residents, many of whom displayed placards expressing support for the police and the Black Maria taskforce.

Some called on security agencies to sustain the ongoing anti-crime operations, while others challenged Mr. Namoo to provide evidence to support his allegations.

NAPAIC-Ghana warned that unverified claims against the police could undermine the morale of security personnel and embolden criminal elements seeking to destabilise the region.

The group also encouraged public figures to balance criticism of security agencies with condemnation of criminals whose activities have caused fear and economic hardship for residents.

It added that any individual or institution that believed it had been defamed by the allegations was entitled to seek legal redress through the courts.

NAPAIC-Ghana concluded by applauding the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, the Upper East Regional Police Command, the Black Maria taskforce and other security agencies for their continued efforts to safeguard lives and property.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability and justice but emphasised that public discourse on security matters must be guided by evidence, fairness and respect for the rule of law.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Mintah