Tamale becoming transit point for drugs and arms – Northern Regional Police raise alarm – Nsemkeka
The Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Wisdom Lavoe, has revealed that Tamale is increasingly becoming a major transit point for arms and illicit drugs, attributing the proliferation of arms in the region to the ongoing conflict in Bawku.
He said despite these security challenges, the police are working effectively in addressing the security challenge.
ACP Wisdom Lavoe, disclosed this during a meeting when the Interior Minister, Mohammed Mutaka paid a working visit to the Northern Region.
“The Bawku conflict has now assumed a national dimension, and Tamale is no exception, given its strategic location and its link to the five northern regions. Tamale is becoming a major transit point for arms and illicit drugs, as well as a haven for internally displaced persons from Bawku,” he said.
He added “However, with the swift response and professionalism of my officers, these emerging security challenges and threats are being effectively addressed”
The Minister for the Interior reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of communities across the country as Ghana prepares to transition into a 24-hour economy.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by the Regional Commander, assuring personnel that their welfare and operational capacity remain a top priority.
“Some of the security challenges mentioned by the Regional Commander — we can assure you that we will do whatever it takes to ensure your safety, so that you, in turn, can help keep our communities safe,” he noted.
He further noted that new demands will be placed on security agencies, particularly the police.
In response, he announced a major collaboration with the Youth Employment Authority (YEA) to bolster the country’s human resource capacity in law enforcement.
“We will soon begin implementing our 24-hour economy, which may place additional demands on you,” the Minister said.
“It is for this reason that we have partnered with the Youth Employment Authority to train approximately 12,000 young men and women,” he announced.
According to him, the training programme, will be led by the Police Administration, will prepare these recruits to assist in frontline duties, community safety initiatives, and other security-related tasks in support of existing personnel.
“These individuals will be trained by the Police Administration to support and augment the important work you are doing, so that together, we can sustain the 24-hour economy,” he added.