The Ghana Police Service has announced a temporary ban on the movement of officers in four conflict-prone districts of the Upper East Region—Bawku, Binduri, Pusiga, and Garu—citing increased threats to security personnel and a volatile security situation in the region.
The decision comes in response to recent attacks targeting police and military officers during routine patrols. According to an official statement from the Police Command, intelligence reports revealed that criminal elements operating in these areas had begun actively plotting ambushes and direct assaults on law enforcement agents.
The police explained that the measure is part of a larger strategy to restructure operations in the affected zones, enhance officer safety, and restore calm. “We are not retreating from our duties in these areas,” the statement clarified. “Instead, we are implementing a temporary operational shift to protect our officers while maintaining law and order.”
Residents in the affected districts have expressed mixed feelings about the development. Some fear that the absence of visible police patrols could embolden criminals, while others support the move, believing it will lead to a more strategic approach to community protection.
Security experts warn that the decision, while understandable, highlights a deeper issue of rising armed violence and the need for stronger conflict resolution initiatives in northern Ghana. Ethnic tensions, political rivalry, and land disputes have long plagued the region, making it one of the country’s most unstable zones.
Human rights organizations are calling for swift government intervention and a long-term peacebuilding plan to address the root causes of the unrest. Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior has promised to collaborate with traditional leaders, local assemblies, and international partners to restore peace and protect lives.
The Ghana Armed Forces have also increased their surveillance activities in the region and are working with the Police Intelligence Directorate to monitor hotspots and prevent further attacks.
As authorities look for a sustainable way forward, Ghanaians across the country are being urged to remain calm and report suspicious activities. The security services reiterated their commitment to safeguarding every citizen, but also stressed the need for community cooperation in peace efforts.
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