The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) has declared its full support for the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, popularly known as Black Maria, following its operations against armed robbery, illicit drug activities and other crimes in the Upper East Region.
The specialized, intelligence-led tactical unit has been deployed to carry out high-risk criminal operations, narcotics crackdowns and anti-robbery sweeps across parts of the country, including the Upper East Region.
The operations have covered communities including Yagaba, Fumbisi, Navrongo, Paga, Bolgatanga, Pelungu, Tongo and Gbane.
The Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP John Ferguson Dzineku, recently described parts of the region as having previously served as a “den for criminals” and a “training ground” for armed groups.
Through sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations, the Special Operations Team reportedly helped dismantle about seven armed robbery syndicates operating across the region and apprehended persons allegedly involved in illicit drug activities.
It is against this backdrop that the Chairman of PAYOM and Managing Director of Kacstone Records, Wenawome Duriyem Aborah, commended the IGP and the Special Operations Team for their efforts to improve security.
Speaking during the handover of a renovated Navrongo Divisional Police Headquarters by Kacstone Records, Mr. Aborah said the operations had brought significant changes to communities affected by drug abuse and criminal activities.
“We want to appreciate and encourage the special team to visit more often to crack down on this drug abuse because it has really changed a lot of activities since their involvement in these areas,” he said.
He urged the IGP to sustain and expand the operations, particularly in Navrongo, Paga and Sandema, to help reduce illicit drug activities and other forms of crime. Mr. Aborah further declared the readiness of the youth to cooperate with the security agencies in their efforts to tackle criminal activities.
“Any way that you think you need the support of the youth so that we help crack down these activities, we are ever ready,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to the IGP for prioritising the fight against illicit drugs, describing the intervention as timely and important to protecting young people and improving security in the region.
“We are very, very happy and we appreciate his effort. We encourage him and welcome him to Navrongo, Paga and Sandema so that we help reduce this menace,” Mr. Aborah added.
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