The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yahuno, has paid a courtesy call on the King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo, to seek his support in resolving recent disturbances in Gbiniyiri and surrounding communities.
The IGP, who was accompanied by the Northern Commanding Officer of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Savannah Regional Minister, senior police commanders, and directors from the Police Headquarters, briefed the Yagbonwura on the ongoing security situation and measures being implemented to restore peace.
The visit comes in the wake of escalating violence in Gbiniyiri, a town in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, where recent clashes resulted in the loss of lives and displacement of residents. What began as a localized conflict quickly spread to neighboring communities, prompting an urgent and multi-regional security response.
“We are aware of the efforts you are already making to calm the situation,” the IGP told the Yagbonwura. “We have come to seek your continued support and encouragement, especially in engaging the youth on both sides of the conflict. They must lay down their arms and allow traditional authorities to mediate the issues.”
The IGP emphasized the importance of the King’s leadership in fostering peace, noting that Gonjaland has long been known for its tranquility and harmony. He also commended the swift action of the District Security Committee (DISEC), who intervened in the initial stages of the conflict but were met with further violence in nearby areas.
Following reports of gunfire and rising tensions, the IGP swiftly mobilized reinforcements from multiple regions, including Upper West, Northern, Bono, Bono East, and Ashanti, resulting in the rapid deployment of over 110 police personnel. This was later increased to approximately 300, including officers from the Formed Police Unit (FPU) and the Counterterrorism Unit.
“Our presence here is to assure the people of our commitment to their safety and to collaborate with traditional authorities and other security agencies to stabilize the region,” the IGP stated.
He further noted that despite preparations for an upcoming by-election in Akwatia, he deemed it necessary to personally assess the situation in Gbiniyiri, underscoring the gravity of the crisis.
“We couldn’t move forward without coming here first to pay respects to the Yagbonwura and seek his blessing. Your insight and leadership are critical to achieving lasting peace,” he added.
The visit culminated in a closed-door discussion with the Yagbonwura and members of the Savannah Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the General Officer Commanding the Northern Sector, and the Director-General of the National Investigation Bureau (NIB), who is also a native of the area.
The security delegation later proceed to the conflict-affected communities including, Sawla, Gbiniyiri and Kalba to assess the situation on the ground and coordinate further peace-building efforts.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
