The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) has called for a full, transparent and impartial investigation into the deaths of a teacher, Seidu Abu, and General Constable Redeemer Owusu of the Ghana Police Service during the violent incident at Gindabour in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region.
The association, in a press statement issued on Sunday, September 20, 2026 said the deaths of the two men had left families grieving, traumatised the community and heightened tensions in the area.
GLYA National President, Mr. Alhassan Baba Darison said the association condemned all forms of unlawful killing and violence, stressing that neither the death of Abu nor that of Constable Owusu could be justified.
“We want the truth. We want the facts established. And we want justice to be done,” the association said.
According to the Ghana Police Service, the incident began on September 16 when a highway patrol team encountered a motorbike rider who allegedly diverted into the bush after seeing the police vehicle. Police said officers later found the rider unconscious and attempted to transport him to hospital, but he died on the way. The subsequent death of General Constable Owusu occurred after a mob allegedly attacked the patrol team. Police subsequently arrested suspects in connection with the officer’s death.
GLYA, however, said questions remain about the circumstances surrounding Abu’s death and called for investigators to establish exactly what happened during his encounter with the police.
The association said it would not prejudge ongoing investigations but asked authorities to determine whether excessive or unlawful force was used and whether proper procedures were followed.
The association also expressed disappointment over what it described as the apparent silence of the Ghana Education Service (GES) following the death of Abu, who was a teacher.
GLYA said it was not asking the GES to prejudge the investigation but expected the institution to demonstrate solidarity and institutional responsibility toward one of its employees.
“When a teacher dies under circumstances that have generated serious public concern, the institution he served should not appear indifferent,” the association said.
GLYA was equally unequivocal in condemning the killing of General Constable Redeemer Owusu.
It said no individual or group had the right to take the law into their own hands and called for anyone found to have participated in the attack on the police officer to be prosecuted.
The association said the judicial process should be allowed to determine the guilt or otherwise of accused persons.
The call comes as the legal process over the police officer’s death has already begun. Forty-three suspects were arraigned before the Buipe Magistrate Court on charges including murder and abetment of the murder of a public officer.
The youth association also raised concerns about reports of vandalism and destruction of private property in and around Gindabour following the deaths.
It called for investigations into allegations that properties, including vehicles and houses, were destroyed during the subsequent security response. Reports from residents and local sources have alleged damage to private properties and the displacement of some residents amid heightened tensions.
GLYA said both civilians and security personnel should be held accountable if investigations establish that they committed offences.
“A civilian must not be protected because of his status. And a security officer must not be protected simply because he wears a uniform,” the association said, insisting that accountability must be based on evidence and due process.
GLYA further called on the government and security agencies to take urgent steps to normalise life in Gindabour as the situation stabilises.
The association said the security presence should be progressively reduced when conditions permit, allowing residents to return home, farmers to access their farms, children to return to school and businesses to reopen.
It also urged security personnel deployed to Gindabour and surrounding communities to exercise professionalism and restraint.
According to the association, there must be no collective punishment, indiscriminate treatment of residents, unlawful destruction of property, intimidation or abuse.
GLYA presented eight demands, including:
• A full, transparent and impartial investigation into the deaths of Seidu Abu and General Constable Redeemer Owusu.
• Publication of relevant forensic and investigative findings at the appropriate time.
• Prosecution of anyone found culpable, whether a civilian or security officer.
• A thorough investigation into allegations of property destruction and abuse of civilians.
• Accountability for security personnel found to have acted unlawfully.
• Urgent government measures to restore normal life in Gindabour and progressively reduce the extraordinary security presence as conditions stabilise.
• Protection and assurances for residents who have fled their homes so they can return safely.
• Clear communication between government, security agencies and affected communities to curb rumours, fear and misinformation.
The association also appealed to residents of Gindabour, Kong and surrounding communities to remain calm and urged traditional, religious, youth, women and other community leaders to help prevent further violence.
GLYA warned against a cycle of revenge, saying the deaths of the two men should not lead to further loss of life.
It reiterated that it does not support mob justice, attacks on security personnel or destruction of property, while also rejecting impunity, abuse of power and unlawful treatment of civilians.
“The people of Gonjaland deserve peace, security, justice and dignity,” the association said.
The Gindabour incident has continued to attract heightened security attention, with authorities pursuing suspects linked to the death of General Constable Owusu. The bodies of both deceased persons were taken to the Damongo Morgue for preservation and autopsy as investigations continued.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
