Joint inter-security agencies patrol initiative launched in Bawku
A joint inter-security agencies patrol initiative has been launched in Bawku in the Upper East Region to help restore lasting peace and security in the area.
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The launch of the initiative follows recent clashes among some personnel of the various security services in Bawku, Paga and Kulungugu over some disagreements which resulted in injuries to some of the personnel.
Last April, a misunderstanding between some military personnel and prison officers in Bawku led to three prison officers being injured. The incident was said to have occurred when the military personnel demanded the release of two men who were suspected to have run into a prison yard to escape arrest.
Also in June, a police officer sustained minor injuries after armed military personnel clashed with police personnel at the Paga District Police Command.
The clash was said to have been triggered as a result of the assault and detention of a soldier in mufti by a police investigative team.
On July 24, 2024, some personnel of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at the Kulungugu border in the Pusiga District also clashed over disagreement regarding the payment of border fees.
It is against this background that the joint inter-security agencies patrol has been introduced, especially in Bawku, to erase public perception that the security personnel on the ground were not united in their quest to restore peace in the town.
Wrong perception
At the ceremony, the Bawku Joint Security Taskforce Commander, Colonel Owusu Apaah, said the launch of the joint patrol team had become necessary due to the perception that security agencies in Bawku were not united.
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He said: “The only way to deal with such erroneous perception is for them to work together to demonstrate to the public that there is no bad blood among members of the various security agencies working to bring peace to Bawku.”
He added that there was no doubt that the personnel of all the security agencies could work together to improve the peace in the area, stressing “We are currently at the stage of resolving the age-old Bawku conflict due to relative calm in the area for some time now”.
“Obviously, the community members whom we are serving must observe that personnel of all the security agencies are united and working together, in order for them to feel secure,” Colonel Apaah stated.
Synergy
The Upper East Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Raymond Adofeim, said the strength of the country’s security was dependent on the synergy of the efforts between all the security agencies.
He underscored the need for the security agencies to collaborate effectively and efficiently towards improving peace in Bawku and the nation at large, saying “there is need for us to work together to safeguard the peace and security in the country.”
He used the occasion to commend the security personnel on the ground in Bawku for risking their lives and working assiduously, leading to the enjoyment of relative calm and peace in the town.
The Regional Commander of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Emmanuel Owusu, urged the personnel to do away with unhealthy competition among them, as they were expected to work together to protect the peace in the Bawku municipality.
He said: “I wish to advise you to build trust among yourselves and not compete with each other but rather work collaboratively in the interest of the people and the nation.”
Writer’s email: gilbert.agbey@graphic.com.gh