In a renewed effort to restore calm and unity in the conflict-prone town of Sampa in the Bono Region, the Bono Regional Police Command has turned to religious engagement as a tool for peacebuilding, holding a special outreach session with Muslim worshippers at the Sampa Central Mosque.
The initiative, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Andrews George Kumah, Deputy Regional Commander, forms part of a broader community-policing strategy aimed at diffusing long-standing tensions between rival traditional factions whose disputes have repeatedly sparked violence in the Jaman North District.
For years, Sampa has been marred by sporadic clashes linked to a protracted chieftaincy conflict, disrupting business, schooling, and community life. The Police Command believes engaging influential faith leaders could help bridge divides and rebuild trust among residents.
In a statement signed by Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, Bono Regional Police Public Relations Officer, the Command emphasised that maintaining peace was a collective responsibility and reminded residents that possessing firearms or offensive weapons within the township remains a criminal offence.
“Residents must not see Police officers as enemies but as friends and peacekeepers,” the statement said, urging community members to share credible information that could help maintain stability and prevent violence.
The police also underscored the importance of ensuring that daily life in Sampa — from schools and banks to markets — proceeds without fear or disruption.
Youth within the Muslim community were particularly cautioned against carrying weapons, with a firm warning that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.
The police engagement, which coincided with Friday Jummah prayers, encouraged worshippers to spread the message of peace and compliance to others who could not attend.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the Muslim community, Alhaji Adams Gado, a representative of the Sampa Chief Imam, thanked the police for their proactive approach.
“We are grateful for this engagement and urge the police to continue such visits regularly. It helps build trust and understanding,” he said.
The meeting marked a rare but symbolic gesture of collaboration between law enforcement and religious leadership — signalling a shift toward dialogue-driven policing as Sampa works to heal from years of division and unrest.
