The National Patriots Against Injustice and Corruption Ghana (NAPAIC-Ghana) is a civil society organisation committed to fighting corruption and injustice, issues which it notes strongly affect national security.NAPAIC-Ghana has therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Minister for the Interior, and the Upper East Regional Police Command to further strengthen the IGP’s special operations team, “Black Maria, to help combat crime, and to support all security agencies operating in the Upper East Region.
The group also encourages any person or entity that feels offended by comments attributed to Mr. Anthony Namoo, the chairman of the Ghana Bar Association, to seek redress through the law courts if they wish. NAPAIC-Ghana says it will support them.Condemnation of alleged disruptive remarks
Addressing the people of the Bolgatanga Municipality in the Upper East Region, near the market directly opposite Melcom Bolgatanga—where robbery attacks reportedly occurred in broad daylight Mr. John Yaro Tiiroug Zumah, General Secretary of NAPAIC-Ghana, said the group is aggrieved and worried about statements recently made by Mr. Anthony Namoo.
Mr. Zumah said the statement was made at the 44th Anniversary Remembrance Service for the Three Murdered Honourable Justices of the High Court, organised by the Ghana Bar Association at the Bolgatanga High Court premises on Tuesday, 30th June 2026.
He said, while NAPAIC-Ghana sympathises with the families of the three justices and shares concern over the killings, the state must do more for the bereaved families beyond yearly remembrance.Concerns about crime and lack of acknowledgement Mr. Zumah noted that the Ghana Bar Association allegedly refused to acknowledge the fight against crime by the IGP’s taskforce “Black Maria” which has been operating in the region for some time and, according to him, has been performing well in combating crime.
He further pointed out that, within the first half of 2026, the Upper East Region recorded the murder of an innocent police officer on the Bolgatanga–Tamale Highway, and at least four separate armed robbery attacks against traders in Bolgatanga and surrounding areas in broad daylight.
He stressed that the lives of individuals matter, including the lives of police officers,the lives of traders, and the lives of professionals in society.As such, he said NAPAIC-Ghana expected the Ghana Bar Association to publicly express concern over killings of traders, police officers, immigration officers, teachers, nurses and other professionals in the region, and to condemn such acts.
Disturbing allegations and call for evidence
Mr. Zumah stated that in his speech, Mr. Anthony Namoo—who is a lawyer—claimed that police officers had, “through their operation extra-judicially murdered” some suspects, naming them in the process.
He said that as a lawyer, it would have been appropriate for Mr. Namoo to substantiate his claims with evidence, but that he failed to do so.Mr. Zumah described the speech as disturbing, arguing that it has the potential to disrupt the work of peace officers and may even embolden criminals to continue their activities against the public.Impact of ‘Black Maria’ on public safety ,Mr. Zumah noted that before the arrival of the current Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP John Ferguson Dzineku, and the deployment of the IGP Special Operations Team “Black Maria” operation, armed robbers were, according to NAPAIC-Ghana, “having a field day,” while criminals killed and robbed residents with impunity.
He said that the operations of the “Black Maria” team have scared armed robbers away, leading to arrests and prosecutions in various courts across the region, which he said has boosted public confidence in security agencies.
He added that the introduction of the special operations team has given residents relief and reassurance that peace and security are improving.
Also urging Mr. Namoo to condemn criminals
Mr. Zumah said Mr. Namoo did not acknowledge the work of the Upper East Regional Police Command and the “Black Maria” taskforce for the benefit of Ghanaians in the region.He said NAPAIC-Ghana expects Mr. Namoo to condemn criminals whose actions have caused sleepless nights to traders, terror to residents, and fear among investors.
Mr. Zumah stressed that NAPAIC-Ghana does not support extra-judicial killings. However, he said when serious allegations are made by persons such as a lawyer, he must be supported with incontrovertible evidence.
Call for attention to the concerns of residents
Mr. Zumah also urged Mr. Anthony Namoo to show interest in the concerns of the people of the region—who have been targeted by criminals—and to appreciate how armed robbers have been terrorising residents, preventing traders and investors from operating freely and doing business in peace.
Source:mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Adongo Ayuureneeya.