Some youth in Tamale have expressed strong opposition to the reported withdrawal of the Inspector-General of Police’s special taskforce, popularly known as the “Black Maria,” citing concerns that the move could undermine efforts to curb crime and drug-related activities in the metropolis.
According to the youth, the presence of the taskforce in the city has played a significant role in reducing criminal activities and restoring a sense of security among residents.
Some residents say the taskforce’s operations over the past months have led to several arrests and increased police visibility, which they believe has deterred criminal behaviour, particularly among the young involved in drug abuse and other unlawful activities. They argue that the removal of the team at this stage could reverse the gains made in maintaining law and order in the area.
The youth have also alleged that certain influential politicians in the Northern Region are mounting pressure on the police administration to withdraw the taskforce from Tamale. According to them, intelligence gathered by some youth groups suggests that political interference may be behind the decision, a development they believe could weaken the fight against crime in the region.
Speaking to Northern Regional Correspondent Baba Kamil, youth advocate Kenny Mama called on the police leadership to reconsider the decision and maintain the taskforce in the region. She stressed that the safety of residents should remain a top priority and warned that the youth are prepared to mobilise and mount pressure on the authorities to ensure the taskforce remains in Tamale.
The protesting youth also marched to the residence of the Mayor of Tamale, Abu Takoro, to seek his intervention in the matter.
Addressing the demonstrators, the mayor expressed shock over the reports regarding the withdrawal of the police taskforce. He noted that the presence of the special police unit in the Northern Region had contributed significantly to restoring law and order and reducing criminal activities in the area.
Takoro further acknowledged the concerns raised by the youth and assured them that their grievances had been noted. He emphasized that the security and wellbeing of residents remain a priority for the local authorities.
The mayor therefore appealed to the youth to remain calm while his office works with the relevant authorities to ascertain the veracity of the claims surrounding the alleged withdrawal of the police taskforce from the region.
Story by Baba Kamil Mohammed Northern Region
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