Residents of the Upper East Region, led by the National Patriots Against Injustice and Corruption (NAPAIC) Ghana, have staged a peaceful demonstration demanding the continued stay of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Task Force, popularly known as “Black Maria,” in the region.
The demonstration, held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, brought together youth, traders, and residents from various walks of life who marched through the principal streets of Bolgatanga before presenting a petition at the Regional Coordinating Council.
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions including “A Lawyer Must Speak Facts, Not Allegations,” “Public Confidence Is Back Because of Black Maria,” “The Bar Must Not Shield Misconduct and Crime,” “Criminals Are the Real Threat to Upper East,” “Black Maria Has Restored Peace in Upper East,” and “Security Agencies Deserve Praise, Not Attacks,” among others.
Presenting the petition on behalf of NAPAIC Ghana, the Secretary of the organization, Zuma Baba Yaro, said the demonstration was in response to comments made by the Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Bar Association, Lawyer Anthony Namoo, concerning the operations of the IGP Special Task Force.
Lawyer Anthony Namoo, during the Ghana Bar Association’s 44th Martyrs’ Day remembrance service held on June 30, 2026, raised concerns about the operations of the task force and alleged that some suspects had been subjected to extrajudicial killings.
Mr. Baba Yaro said NAPAIC Ghana took exception to the allegations, insisting that such claims must be supported with evidence.
“We have asked for evidence. So far, from seventh till date, we have not received anything. And so, we have made it a point in petition through the regional minister to the interior minister and for onward submission to the authorities that may help to keep the task force in here,” he said.
He added that the presence of the task force had contributed to improved security in the region, citing checks conducted by NAPAIC Ghana with the Bolgatanga Municipal Police Command and the Sandema District Police Command, which indicated that no motorbike theft cases had been recorded in the previous two months.
“Since the presence of the police task force in town over two to three months now, we have done our search at the Bolgatanga Municipal Police, Sandema District Police, and all of them have made it clear to us that for two months past, they have not recorded any theft of motorbikes. And I think this is some of the peace we need in the area,” Mr. Baba Yaro stated.
Mr. Baba Yaro said the operations of the IGP Special Task Force, the CID operational team from Accra led by ACP Bernard Baba Ananga, and the Upper East Regional Police Command have helped restore public confidence and improve security in the region.
In its petition to the Interior Minister, NAPAIC Ghana stated that it does not support extrajudicial killings but maintained that individuals who make serious allegations against security personnel must provide credible evidence.
The group called for the continued presence of the task force, arguing that its operations had boosted confidence among residents, traders, and investors while supporting efforts to protect lives and property in the region.
Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Roland Atanga Ayoo, received the petition on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga Akamugri. Mr. Ayoo assured the protesters that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities and commended them for conducting a peaceful demonstration.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Simon Ayamdoo|Bolgatanga
