Group identifies security threats in Upper East Region
The Ghana Network for Peace, a group striving to bring peaceful co-existence and promote law and order in the Upper East Region, has identified a number of potential security threats in the area for immediate attention.
A communiqué issued in Bolgatanga after a Regional Interface meeting, called on the government and other stakeholders interested in solving the Bawku conflict, to as a matter of urgency identify the withdrawal of the Mamprusi ethnic group in the peace talks as a potential threat to peace.
The Mamprusis had withdrawn from the Inter Ethnic Peace Committee that is seeking to bring lasting peace to the area.
The Network described the action of the ethnic group as a blow to the peace process hence the need for the stakeholders to endeavour to listen to the concerns of the Mamprusis and bring them back to the mediation table.
The group observed that a speedy response to the concerns raised by the Mamprusis is key in bringing lasting solution to the conflict, which has far reaching consequences for the development of the region and Ghana as a whole.
The Network expressed concerned about increasing abuse of narcotic drugs by bandits in the Bolgatanga Municipality especially at areas like Tanzui, Tindonmolgo, Bukere and around the new traffic light.
Suggesting solutions to the drug problems in the region, the group asked the police to carry out swoops at the areas identified and effect arrest.
The communiqué reminded civil society about its role in ensuring that moral decadence is reduced significantly.
It called on the public to volunteer information to the police to nib the phenomenon in the bud.
The Network charged the Municipal Assembly to setup a special taskforce and work in close collaboration with the security agencies to “combat the activities of drug peddlers and users”.
Another sensitive area the group touched on was a dispute between the Ghana Private Road Transport Union and Country Transport Services over loading rights, at the Bolgatanga Lorry Park.
The Network asked the Municipal Assembly to institute appropriate measures to ensure that allocated spaces for the various transport unions are maximised.
The group called on the two transport unions to view themselves as development partners and co-operate to ensure the smooth rendering of quality services to travellers.
The communiqué called on the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit of the Ghana Police Service to station men at the park to ensure sanity.
Source: GNA