The Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy for Inclusive Communities (NAPAIC-Ghana) has commended the Ghana Police Service for what it describes as the significant improvement in law and order in the Upper East Region.
They attributed the gains to the operations of the Inspector-General of Police’s Black Maria Taskforce and the leadership of the Upper East Regional Police Command.
Speaking at a press conference in Bolgatanga, the Secretary of NAPAIC-Ghana, Zumah B-Yaro, said the intensified police operations had restored public confidence in the security agencies, reduced criminal activities and created a safer environment for residents, traders and investors.
According to the organisation, the region had experienced a series of violent crimes, including the killing of a police officer on the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway and several daylight armed robbery attacks targeting traders during the first half of 2026.
It said the deployment of the Black Maria Taskforce had, however, led to the arrest and prosecution of suspected criminals, significantly improving security across the region.
NAPAIC-Ghana said the improved security situation had enabled businesses to operate with greater confidence and had brought relief to residents who had previously lived in fear due to the activities of armed robbers and other criminals.
The organisation also commended the Inspector General of Police, the Minister for the Interior, the Upper East Regional Police Command, the Black Maria Taskforce and other security agencies for what it described as their commitment to maintaining peace, law and order in the region.
The group made the remarks while responding to comments by the Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Anthony Namoo, during the 44th Anniversary Remembrance Service for the Three Murdered High Court Justices held at the High Court premises in Bolgatanga on June 30, 2026.
According to media reports, Namoo alleged in his address that police officers had, through their operations, carried out extrajudicial killings involving several armed robbery suspects.
Responding to those remarks, NAPAIC-Ghana described them as “disruptive” and expressed concern that such statements could undermine the efforts of security agencies in combating crime in the region.
The organisation argued that Namoo had failed to acknowledge what it considers to be the significant contribution of the police and the Black Maria Taskforce in restoring law and order. It further urged the Ghana Bar Association to publicly condemn attacks on police officers, traders, teachers, nurses, immigration officers and other professionals who have fallen victim to violent crimes.
NAPAIC-Ghana said it does not support extrajudicial killings but maintained that allegations of such offences are serious and should be supported by credible and verifiable evidence, particularly when made by legal practitioners.
While expressing sympathy to the families of the three murdered High Court judges, the organisation said it joined Ghanaians in honouring their memory and called on the State to provide more meaningful support to the bereaved families beyond the annual remembrance ceremony.
The advocacy group maintained that sustaining the current security operations remains essential to protecting lives, promoting investment and preserving the peace and stability being enjoyed in the Upper East Region.
By Castro Senyalah
