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Outgoing Upper East Police Commander Lauded for Leadership as ACP Dzineku Assumes Office

Outgoing Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP Raymond Wejong Ali Adofiem, has been commended for his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to peace and security in the region during his tenure.

At a joint End-of-Year Get-Together (WASSA) and handing-over ceremony held at the Regional Police Headquarters in Bolgatanga, Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, praised DCOP Adofiem for his professionalism, strategic foresight, and effective collaboration with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and sister security agencies.

“Your professionalism and dedication have left an indelible mark,” Hon. Akamugri remarked, adding a heartfelt traditional farewell: “Lahooy Fara Fara, Ti Puuhiya.”

Widely respected and fondly known as the “Lion King,” DCOP Adofiem’s leadership was credited with reducing crime rates, enhancing police-community relations, and strengthening inter-agency coordination across the region.

New Commander Takes Over with High Expectations

The ceremony also marked the formal assumption of duty by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) John Ferguson Dzineku as the new Upper East Regional Police Commander.

Hon. Akamugri urged ACP Dzineku to build on the legacy of his predecessor and continue strengthening the region’s security, particularly in light of challenges such as border-related threats and chieftaincy disputes.

“You have our full support—REGSEC, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders stand ready to work with you,” the minister assured.

Strengthening Law Enforcement Capacity

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to public safety, Hon. Akamugri highlighted ongoing investments in the Ghana Police Service, including:

Modern communication systems
Additional patrol vehicles
Protective gear for officers
Expansion of the Safe City Project through enhanced CCTV surveillance

He emphasised the importance of intelligence-led policing, deepening community engagement, and eradicating misconduct within the service to uphold its integrity.

Praise for Election Operations and Police Resilience

The minister also commended the Police Service for its resilience during the 2024 election operations, describing the officers’ performance as a key contributor to the peaceful outcome in the region.

He concluded with a commitment to ensuring improved logistical and welfare support, urging officers to continue serving with honour and professionalism.

Reflect, Reset, Renew: Northern Regional Minister Calls for Unity and Action Toward National Prosperity

The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John Mburudiba, has issued a passionate call for national unity, moral renewal, and collective action to propel Ghana toward a future of lasting peace and shared prosperity.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama during the inaugural National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held at the Church of Pentecost, Tishigu Assembly in Tamale, Hon. Mburudiba encouraged citizens to reflect on their shared journey as a nation, reset their attitudes, and renew their commitment to national development.

A Sacred National Reset

Themed “Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity,” the Minister’s address underscored the symbolic and spiritual importance of the event. He urged Ghanaians to:

Reflect on past challenges and victories, learning from both to inform your future endeavours.
Reset by discarding divisive habits, complacency, and apathy.
Renew national values through innovation, patriotism, and shared responsibility.

“We must renew our resolve to build a nation where healthcare is accessible, education is quality-driven, businesses flourish, and all citizens feel safe, valued, and empowered,” Hon. Mburudiba declared.

A National Call to Action

Hon. Mburudiba called on all citizens to uphold high moral standards, embrace volunteerism, and be active contributors to their communities. He made a heartfelt plea for prayer, particularly for the nation’s youth, to be shielded from social vices such as drug abuse, which threaten their future and national progress.

He led the congregation in intercessory prayers for:

Wisdom and integrity for national leaders
Unity and stability across Ghana
Healing and hope for vulnerable populations

A United Front for Peace and Development

The event drew participation from key local authorities, including:

Hon. Adam Abukari Takoro, Mayor of Tamale
Hon. Abdulai Imoro Gong, MCE for Sagnarigu
Senior officials from the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly
Members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), led by Chief Director Mr. Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu

Their presence underscored the commitment of regional leadership to national unity and public safety. REGSEC’s active role in the event reinforced its pivotal mandate in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for civic gatherings.

A New Chapter for Ghana

The Northern Regional Minister concluded his message with optimism and gratitude, calling on Ghanaians to view this National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving not just as a moment of spiritual reflection but as the beginning of a renewed national spirit anchored in cooperation, peace, and development.

“Let this be the dawn of a new chapter for Ghana—one where we rise together as one people, under God, with a renewed determination to build a prosperous nation.”

As prayers echoed across the sanctuary, a palpable sense of hope and solidarity filled the atmosphere, signalling that the journey toward national renewal had begun.

Tamale to Relocate Transport Hubs to Ease City Congestion

The Mayor of Tamale Metropolis, Hon. Adam Abubakari Takoro, has initiated a strategic relocation exercise for various transport operators to new sites within the city. The initiative, which begins today, aims to decongest the central business district (CBD) and improve urban mobility and safety.

During a preparatory inspection tour on Monday, the Mayor visited key locations identified for the relocation, including the Forest and Behind Metro Mass Transit areas. These sites have been designated to accommodate Yellow-Yellow operators, Motor King riders, and other informal transport unions.

Reclaiming Public Spaces

Hon. Takoro explained that the relocation is part of a broader reorganisation plan by the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to restore order to public roads and markets, enhance road safety, and ensure efficient use of urban space.

“We are not just moving people; we are reorganising transport for a better Tamale,” the Mayor stated. “Public roads must be free for all users—pedestrians, vehicles, and businesses.”

Stakeholder Engagement and Smooth Transition

The Mayor assured that the process will be carried out in close consultation with transport operators, unions, and residents to ensure minimal disruption and full cooperation. The Assembly has also committed to providing basic infrastructure and amenities at the new hubs.

This intervention follows a successful decongestion exercise in the city’s CBD earlier this week, which was widely applauded by residents for improving accessibility and cleanliness.

Towards a Modern and Livable City

The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly believes this move will significantly contribute to making the city more organised, pedestrian-friendly, and attractive to investors.

“This is a critical step in building a cleaner, safer, and more efficient Tamale,” Hon. Takoro said. “It aligns with our long-term vision of making Tamale a model of urban planning and public order.”

The relocation of transport hubs marks another milestone in the Assembly’s ongoing urban renewal efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents and making the city more competitive and sustainable.

RISE-Ghana Launches Social Cohesion Project in Northern Border Districts

RISE-Ghana, a human rights advocacy organisation, has rolled out a new initiative aimed at promoting peace, inclusion, and access to public services across vulnerable border communities in Northern Ghana.

The initiative, titled “Bridging the Gap: Promoting Socio-economic Inclusion, Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding for Vulnerable Communities”, is part of a broader project led by the Centre for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana) with funding from the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF). It is being implemented in the Upper East, Upper West, and North East Regions.

In the Upper East Region, six districts—Bawku, Builsa North, Kassena-Nankana Municipalities, and Bongo, Bolgatanga East, and Nabdam Districts—have been selected as beneficiaries.

Tackling Exclusion and Conflict Risks

Speaking at a regional town hall meeting in Bolgatanga to unveil the project, Ms Jaw-Haratu Amadu, Head of Programmes at RISE-Ghana, said the project aims to strengthen social cohesion and build resilience among marginalised communities that are increasingly vulnerable to conflict and exclusion.

“Many communities in Northern Ghana face deep-rooted socio-economic challenges, worsened by refugee inflows from Burkina Faso, inter-ethnic tensions, and marginalisation,” Ms Amadu noted.

She highlighted that groups such as Fulbe pastoralists, refugees, and minority ethnic populations often experience discrimination and poor access to basic services like healthcare, education, and justice—factors that continue to erode trust and fuel instability.

Skills Training and Inclusive Governance

In addition to fostering community dialogues and participatory planning, the project will provide skills training and income-generating opportunities to empower local residents, particularly women and youth.

Ms Amadu explained that the initiative will run until 2027, using inclusive policy engagement and community-led planning to build lasting solutions.

“We are focused on ensuring that governance becomes more equitable and responsive to the needs of all citizens, especially those on the margins,” she added.

Stakeholder Commitment

The launch event brought together stakeholders from traditional leadership, local government, the Ghana Education Service, and the Ghana Health Service, all of whom expressed support for the project’s objectives.

They commended the approach and pledged to collaborate closely to reduce mistrust, enhance social inclusion, and prevent the spread of violent extremism.

“This is the kind of inclusive development we need to secure peace and prosperity across our communities,” said one participant from the Bolgatanga East District Assembly.

Yendi Transport Fares Reduced Following MCE’s Intervention

In a decisive move to reduce the economic burden on residents, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Yendi, Hon. Sugri Muniru, has successfully secured a reduction in transport fares, following recent decreases in national fuel prices.

The intervention followed a meeting convened by the MCE with transport service providers and key stakeholders on Monday, June 30. During the engagement, Hon. Muniru insisted that the benefits of falling fuel prices be passed on to commuters, calling for an immediate fare adjustment.

The MCE also visited lorry stations across the municipality, where he urged operators to comply or risk sanctions, including the potential suspension of their operations within Yendi.

Operators Comply, Public Applauds Move

In response, transport operators adjusted their fares, drawing praise from passengers who had long felt the pressure of high transportation costs.

Residents have welcomed the fare reductions, describing the MCE’s leadership as proactive and people-centred.

“This is the kind of leadership we need – someone who stands up for ordinary people,” said Mariama Fuseini, a local trader at the Yendi market.

Positive Ripple Effects Expected

The fare reduction is expected to stimulate local economic activity, as lower transport costs will ease mobility for both business owners and commuters. It is also viewed as a strategic step toward developing a more affordable and sustainable transportation system within the municipality.

“The intervention is a reflection of our commitment to protecting the economic interests of our people,” Hon. Muniru stated. “We will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure Yendi remains a place where the well-being of residents is a priority.”

NDA Acting CEO Calls for Robust Development Coordination Framework for Northern Ghana

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), Dr Emmanuel Abeere-Inga, has called for the establishment of a more unified and efficient development coordination framework to drive sustainable development across the five regions of Northern Ghana.

During a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, in Bolgatanga, Dr Abeere-Inga emphasised that a streamlined system would enable the regions to collaborate more effectively, attract and manage development projects and funding, and empower local stakeholders.

“This move is necessary if we are to overcome the deep-rooted bureaucratic bottlenecks that often stall meaningful progress,” he noted.

Challenges of Centralised Bureaucracy

Dr Abeere-Inga lamented that, despite the rich investment potential and numerous donor-supported projects, tangible development remains limited in the north. He attributed this partly to the centralised control of development funds and decision-making in Accra.

“One of the major challenges is that while Northern Ghana is known to host many NGOs and support programs, the money rarely gets here. What reaches our people is mere tokenism,” he stated.

He cited the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project, initially financed through a $60 million World Bank loan and a $50 million U.S. government grant, as an example of poor project execution due to the control of funds in Accra. He revealed that the U.S. eventually withdrew its support when it became clear that the funds were not benefiting Northern Ghana as intended.

Building a New Development Pathway

The Acting CEO revealed that consultations are ongoing with technocrats across all five northern regions to design a more effective development framework. The NDA’s aim is to ensure that future donor and government investments are directed and managed locally, thereby ensuring transparency, accountability, and a meaningful impact.

“We’re advocating for a system that truly puts local actors at the centre of development planning and implementation,” he added.

Minister Endorses Vision

In response, Upper East Regional Minister Mr Donatus Akamugri acknowledged the past shortcomings of the NDA and the need for renewal.

“We need to change the narrative,” he said, expressing confidence in the leadership of Dr Abeere-Inga to restore credibility and deliver impactful development.

He encouraged the NDA to engage the Northern Caucus in Parliament to build bipartisan support for the new framework.

“With consensus, we can drive lasting development that truly transforms the north,” he concluded.

This visit also served as an opportunity for Dr Abeere-Inga to congratulate Mr Akamugri on his recent appointment and foster deeper partnerships for the region’s transformation agenda.

Tamale Metropolis to Sustain Order Following Successful Decongestion Exercise

The Mayor of Tamale, Hon. Adam Abubakari Takoro, has reaffirmed the Metropolitan Assembly’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order following the successful execution of a decongestion exercise across the city’s central business district.

Addressing stakeholders after the operation, Hon. Takoro commended the efforts of all involved and announced the deployment of a well-trained, multi-agency task force to enforce the new city directives.

“Our goal is to ensure that Tamale remains clean, orderly, and accessible to everyone,” he stated. “The task force will work with firmness and fairness to maintain the gains we’ve made.”

Multi-Sectoral Task Force in Action

The task force includes personnel from the Ghana Police Service, National Security, City Guards, Assembly Members, and other relevant stakeholders. Their mission is to prevent a return to the previous state of congestion and disorganisation that affected both pedestrian and vehicular movement in Tamale.

Call for Public Cooperation

The Mayor called on residents, traders, hawkers, and transport operators to fully cooperate with the task force, noting that urban order is a shared responsibility.

“This effort is not about punishment—it’s about progress. With everyone’s support, we can create a Tamale that reflects excellence in urban management,” he said.

A Vision for a Model City

The decongestion initiative is part of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly’s broader strategy to transform the city into a model of sustainable urban planning and inclusive development.

The Assembly’s goals include:

Clean and well-managed markets and transport terminals
Improved mobility and pedestrian safety
Enhanced environmental sanitation
A more business-friendly and tourist-attractive city environment

Hon. Takoro emphasised that sustainability will guide every step of the process and assured the public of ongoing engagement, transparency, and responsiveness in implementing the city’s vision.

“We are building a Tamale that works for all—residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

REGSEC Endorses Ya-Na’s Ban on Fire Festival in Tamale and Sagnarigu

The Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has expressed its full support for the decision by the Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya-Na Abukari II, to ban the celebration of this year’s Fire Festival (Bugum Chugu) in Tamale and Sagnarigu.

In a statement dated July 3, 2025, REGSEC commended the Ya-Na for the proactive decision, which aligns with the Council’s assessment based on current security intelligence and prior discussions with the Dagbon Traditional Authority.

Strict Compliance Urged

REGSEC is calling on all individuals, groups, and communities within the affected areas to adhere to the directive strictly. The Council warned that any violation of the ban will attract firm and decisive action from security agencies.

“This directive is critical to maintaining the peace and ensuring the safety of residents. We will not hesitate to act against any attempts to flout the ban,” the statement emphasised.

Security Measures in Place

According to REGSEC, the ban was necessitated by credible intelligence indicating the potential for unrest if the festival were allowed to proceed in Tamale and Sagnarigu. As such, enhanced security operations have been implemented to prevent any breaches of the peace.

Appeal for Public Cooperation

REGSEC has appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities in enforcing the ban, underscoring that peace and security are collective responsibilities.

“By working together, we can protect lives, preserve property, and sustain the hard-won peace in our region,” the statement concluded.