By Ellen Agbavor
Traders and civil society groups in the Upper East Region have thrown their weight behind the Inspector-General of Police’s “Black Maria” taskforce, saying it has restored public confidence and reduced armed attacks in Bolgatanga and surrounding areas.
The endorsement came on Sunday, July 5, 2026, during a press conference organized by the National Patriots Against Injustice and Corruption Ghana, NAPAIC-Ghana, at Bolgatanga Central Market.
Scores of traders gathered at the same spot where armed robbers previously attacked them, holding placards that read: “Public confidence is back because of Black Maria”, “Armed Robbers are scared. Keep Black Maria!”, and “No Black Maria, no peace for innocent traders!”
NAPAIC-Ghana’s Secretary, Zumah B. Yaro, said the group was compelled to speak after recent public comments failed to acknowledge the progress made by security agencies.
“Surprisingly, some leaders refused to acknowledge the fight against crime by the IGP’s taskforce — ‘Black Maria’ — which have been in the region for some time now and doing very well in combating crimes,” he said.
The CSO cited security incidents in the first half of 2026: the murder of a police officer on the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway and at least four armed robbery attacks on traders in broad daylight.
“The lives of individuals matter. The lives of police officers matter. The lives of traders matter,” Yaro stressed.
He added that leaders must also publicly condemn attacks on traders, nurses, teachers, immigration officers and other professionals.
The group was responding to remarks made on June 30 by Upper East GBA Chairman, Anthony Namoo, during a remembrance for 3 murdered judges, Mr. Namoo had alleged that police “fish out young men” and “murder them on the way” to Accra.
NAPAIC-Ghana said while it sympathizes with victims of injustice, public commentary on sensitive security matters must be based on evidence.
At the heart of the dispute is what the group termed “evidence or silence”. They urged the GBA and other opinion leaders to verify claims before making them, to avoid eroding trust in institutions working to keep the region safe.
“Our CSOs remain available to support government, parliament, security agencies, the National Commission on Small Arms, and development partners in building a safer and more accountable Upper East,” Yaro said.
