The Wa Municipal Assembly has commissioned its first batch of 17 City Guards to help enforce sanitation regulations, maintain public order and ensure compliance with Assembly by-laws.
The Guards successfully completed a one-week basic security and Community Protection Course at the 10 Mechanised Battalion Barracks in Wa.
The initiative, described by the Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Nurah Issah Danwana, as a new chapter in the Assembly’s history, is expected to help tackle unauthorised street trading, indiscriminate dumping and other breaches of local regulations.
The training initially involved 18 participants after 25 prospective recruits were screened, with 17 eventually completing the course and receiving certificates.
Addressing the passing-out ceremony on Monday, August 31, 2026, the Municipal Chief Executive said the Guards would work alongside authorised security agencies to support the Assembly’s mandate to maintain law and order.
He said their success would not be measured by the number of people arrested but by the impact of their work.
The Assembly, he noted, wants to see reduced unauthorised street trading, improved sanitation compliance in markets and the Central Business Municipal, greater respect for by-laws and a cleaner and safer Wa.
The Guards were trained by the 10 Mechanised Battalion in physical fitness, drill, first aid, day and night patrols, vehicle checkpoints, unarmed combat, fire safety, crowd control, cordon and search, arrest procedures, citizens’ rights and road safety.
The Commanding Officer of the Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel James Bampoe Palmer, said the course was designed to give the Guards the basic skills and professional attitude required to support security and community protection.
He said emphasis was placed on discipline, integrity, teamwork, professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq., charged the Guards to enforce the law without fear or favour.
He cautioned them against “Tijaabunyene” favouritism and partiality and said the law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of status.
“If it is me who is lying, arrest me. That way it sends a signal to our people that you are indeed ready to work and to make sure that the regional capital is clean.”
The Minister also warned the Guards against compromising their integrity for money, urging them to remain professional and accountable.
He called for the expansion of the unit from the current 17 personnel to at least 50, with women included in future recruitment exercises.
According to him, the size of the Wa requires more personnel to effectively enforce sanitation and other Assembly by-laws.
He expressed optimism that the deployment of the Guards would help reduce indiscriminate dumping and other sanitation offences across Wa.
The newly commissioned Guards subsequently embarked on a procession through the principal streets of Wa to the Wa Naa’s Palace.
By Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara
