NAPAI-GHANA Backs Black Maria Taskforce, Seeks Continued Deployment in Upper East

The National Patriotic Against Corruption and Injustice (NAPAI-GHANA) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to maintain the operations of the Black Maria taskforce in the Upper East Region, arguing that its presence has strengthened security, restored public confidence, and created a conducive environment for business and investment.

The petition was presented during a peaceful demonstration in Bolgatanga on Sunday, where market women, traders, youth groups, candoo riders, and taxi drivers marched through the principal streets before converging at the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council.
Presenting the petition, NAPAI-GHANA leading member, John Yaro, appealed to the IGP to retain the taskforce in the region.

“We want the IGP to consider keeping Black Maria and their operations for long in the Upper East Region,” Mr. Yaro stated.

According to him, the taskforce’s operations have significantly improved the security situation, boosting confidence among residents, traders, and investors while promoting peace and economic activities across the region.

The petition was received on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister by the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Roland Atanga Ayoo, who assured the demonstrators that their concerns and request would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities without delay.

Mr. Yaro also criticized recent comments by legal practitioner Anthony Namoo regarding the arrest of ACP Bernard Baba Ananga and his deputy over allegations of excessive use of force. He argued that such remarks could undermine the efforts of security personnel.

“We find his speech as bearing the potential to disrupt the good work peace officers are doing,” he said.

NAPAI-GHANA further alleged that the comments had fueled public distrust and exposed some officers and their families to threats after their photographs were circulated on social media.

“Such statements incite public distrust and have endangered the officers and their families, whose pictures have been circulated on social media with threatening messages,” the group said in its petition.

The group commended the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister for the Interior, the Upper East Regional Police Command, and the Black Maria taskforce for what it described as their unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order in the region.

It also called on residents and all stakeholders to support the security agencies in sustaining the prevailing peace and stability.

The demonstration ended peacefully, with Mr. Ayoo praising the participants for conducting themselves in an orderly manner and exercising their constitutional right to peaceful advocacy responsibly.