The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has confirmed that several police checkpoints along the route from Tamale to Paga are currently unmanned, raising concerns about security in the region.
Speaking at a press soiree on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Mr. Atanga said the absence of police at key checkpoints is being addressed at the national level, with the deployment of additional resources under discussion. “Yes, the checkpoints, the police apparently are not there at the checkpoints,” he acknowledged.
The minister noted that when security challenges escalated previously, the police improved their operational capacity by deploying armored vehicles along critical routes. “Once I was coming in here, my commander said one of the armored cars is positioned at Pwalugu, one at Kareminga, and that kind of thing,” he said, highlighting current placements of the limited resources.
Mr. Atanga explained that the government is coordinating with national authorities to ensure that armored vehicles are deployed in sufficient numbers to cover all previously manned checkpoints. “If they want to put the checkpoints aside and instead use armored cars as checkpoints, there should be armored cars sufficient to be at all the areas. That is how we deal with the issue,” he said.
The minister emphasized that discussions with top police leadership are ongoing to ensure that equipment and personnel are optimally positioned to respond to security needs. He said the government is working to strike a balance between strategic deployment and coverage of all critical areas along the northern corridor.
He reassured the public that a “reset meeting” has taken place to communicate the region’s needs to national authorities and to ensure that checkpoints, whether manned by personnel or armored vehicles, will remain operational. “We will be dealing with it from their point,” Mr. Atanga said, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are underway to restore full security coverage.
The Upper East Region has experienced intermittent security challenges in recent months, particularly along main transport routes. Residents and commercial drivers have expressed concerns over the risks posed by unmanned checkpoints, citing potential for increased criminal activities and delays in the transport of goods and passengers.
Mr. Atanga said the government is committed to enhancing security infrastructure in the region. “We believe that once the armored vehicles and personnel are deployed in sufficient numbers, they can provide the necessary presence at key checkpoints,” he said. The minister stressed that continued coordination between regional authorities and national police leadership is essential for effective law enforcement along the corridor.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Mr. Atanga urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel. He reiterated that restoring full functionality of checkpoints along the Tamale-Paga route is a priority and that progress is being actively monitored.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
