Tamale Emerging as Transit Hub for Drugs and Arms — Police Raise Concern

The Northern Regional Police Command has raised serious concerns about Tamale’s growing role as a transit point for illegal arms and narcotics, linking the development to the protracted conflict in Bawku. According to the Regional Commander, ACP Wisdom Lavoe, the city’s strategic location and connectivity to all five northern regions have made it increasingly vulnerable to these activities while also becoming a refuge for internally displaced persons from Bawku.

Despite these emerging threats, the police respond swiftly and professionally to mitigate the situation. ACP Lavoe expressed confidence in his officers’ efforts, highlighting that their dedication and timely interventions have been key in tackling the security risks.

The concerns were raised during a meeting with the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mutaka, on a working visit to the region. The Minister acknowledged the security challenges outlined by the Commander and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting communities nationwide. As Ghana prepares to transition to a 24-hour economy, he stressed the need to strengthen the welfare and operational capabilities of the security services.

He noted that the shift to a round-the-clock economy would place new demands on law enforcement agencies. To meet this challenge, the Ministry is partnering with the Youth Employment Authority (YEA) to recruit and train about 12,000 young men and women. This initiative, led by the Police Administration, will prepare the recruits to support frontline duties, enhance community safety, and assist with other essential law enforcement responsibilities.

The Interior Minister emphasized that these recruits will play a vital role in reinforcing the work of existing personnel, helping to sustain security operations as the country embraces a more demanding economic model.

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