In response to recent armed robbery attacks on traders at the Bolgatanga Central Market, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Roland Ayoo, has outlined a series of pragmatic measures aimed at preventing further incidents and restoring confidence among traders.
Speaking on A1 Radio after visiting the market to interact with traders, Mr. Ayoo said the Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, is adopting innovative and community-driven security strategies to address the situation. Central to the proposed measures are the deployment of drone surveillance and the recruitment of a dedicated market-based community police unit.
According to the MCE, the police command has already begun engagements with market leaders to strengthen collaboration and information sharing. He revealed that the Assembly plans to recruit young traders within the market to serve as community police operatives. These individuals, who are actively involved in daily trading activities, will undergo specialized training by the Ghana Police Service.
“They will be specially trained by the police and provided with identification, including branded T-shirts. Their main responsibility will be intelligence gathering and assisting the police with relevant and timely information,” Mr. Ayoo explained.
He noted that selecting traders who operate daily in the market is strategic, as they are familiar with the environment and better positioned to observe suspicious behaviour. Once trained, they will function as a market task force, complementing existing security structures and strengthening intelligence-led policing within the market.
Another key intervention is the introduction of drone technology to monitor activities in and around the market. Mr. Ayoo said the drones will be used to gather real-time information and support investigations into criminal activities. Traders, particularly women, will be sensitised to understand that the presence of drones signifies active police surveillance.
“The drones will help detect suspicious movements, capture images, and support investigations. Even if perpetrators flee, recorded footage can be reviewed to determine who did what and at what time,” he said, adding that the initiative will serve as both a deterrent and an investigative tool.
The MCE stressed that effective policing requires the active participation of the public, describing security as a collective responsibility. He called on residents and traders to volunteer information to the police, emphasizing the principle: “See something, say something.”
“There are certain behaviours that, even as ordinary citizens, you can identify as suspicious. Reporting such observations will make the work of the police easier and help reduce crime,” he stated.
Addressing questions about the involvement of Zoomlion or Youth Employment security personnel, Mr. Ayoo clarified that while they form part of the broader security network, the market community police initiative specifically targets traders who are constantly present in the market. Their familiarity with trading patterns and human behaviour, he said, will enhance early detection of armed robbery, theft, and other criminal activities.
Mr. Ayoo expressed confidence that the combined use of technology, community intelligence, and police collaboration will significantly improve security at the Bolgatanga Central Market and deter criminal elements from operating within the municipality.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
