NAPAIC Ghana backs Upper East Police, condemns allegations against officers
NAPAIC Ghana says allegations against police officers must be supported by credible evidence and commends security agencies for their efforts in combating crime in the Upper East Region.
The Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy for Peace and Inclusive Communities (NAPAIC Ghana) has thrown its support behind the Upper East Regional Police Command and the Black Maria Task Force, describing recent allegations against some police officers as unsubstantiated and potentially detrimental to the fight against crime in the region.
At a peaceful demonstration in Bolgatanga on Saturday July18, the group presented a petition to the Minister for the Interior through the Upper East Regional Minister. The petition was received on the Minister’s behalf by the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Roland Atanga.
Presenting the petition, the Secretary of NAPAIC Ghana, Zuma Baba Yaro, said comments allegedly made by Anthony Namoo against the security agencies risk politicising the fight against crime and emboldening criminal elements operating in the Upper East Region.
According to the group, the deployment of the Black Maria Task Force has contributed significantly to improving security, restoring public confidence, and creating a safer environment for businesses, traders and investors.
NAPAIC Ghana stressed that while it does not support extrajudicial killings under any circumstances, allegations of unlawful conduct against security personnel must be backed 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,” portions of the petition stated.
The 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 instilled fear among residents and disrupted economic activities in the region.
He further criticised the public mention of the Upper East Regional Police Commander, ACP Bernard Baba Ananga, and his deputy in connection with the alleged killings, arguing that the publication and circulation of their photographs on social media had exposed the officers and their families to potential threats.
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 dedication and commitment to combating crime in the Upper East Region.
NAPAIC Ghana also encouraged any individual or organisation that believes it has been defamed by the allegations to seek legal redress through the courts, assuring them of the group’s support.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister, Roland Atanga assured the demonstrators that their concerns would be transmitted to the Minister and the appropriate state authorities for the necessary action.
He commended the organisers for conducting a peaceful demonstration and reaffirmed that the right to peaceful assembly and protest is guaranteed under Ghana’s Constitution.
“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,” he stated.
Atanga also expressed appreciation to the security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the demonstration.
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