Retrieve guns from civilians to curb crime in Kusaug — Upper East Police Commander appeals

The Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP John Ferguson Dzineku, has made a passionate appeal to stakeholders and authorities in the Kusaug Traditional Area to help mop up firearms in the hands of civilians as part of efforts to curb rising crime in Pusiga, Binduri, Garu, Tempane and Bawku.

According to the Police Commander, although relative peace has returned to Bawku and its environs, the proliferation of firearms among civilians remains a major threat to security.

"We need all stakeholders on board to help us retrieve the firearms that have found their way into the hands of civilians. Now that peace is returning, we must work together to get these weapons back," DCOP Dzineku stressed.

He made the call when chiefs in Garu and Tempane raised alarm over increasing cases of armed robbery and killings in their communities during the Upper East Regional Minister's Accounting to the People tour.

DCOP Dzineku assured residents that the Police Command is actively investigating the incidents and is on the ground to ensure law and order. He noted that the Police will be professional and thorough, and will not rush to arrest innocent people.

"The police are on the ground and investigations are ongoing. We will not arrest innocent persons. We will do due diligence and ensure that only culprits are brought to book," he assured.

Tempane To Get Own Police District
Responding to a specific appeal by the Divisional Chief of Tempane, Naba Alasbuudi Cletus Abugri IV, for Tempane to be carved out of the Garu Police District, the Commander disclosed that plans are far advanced to create a separate Police District for Tempane.

He said the move will improve police presence, reduce response time and help fight crime more effectively in the area.

Accounting To The People Tour
The security issues emerged during the tour of Tempane and Garu Districts by the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, as part of the government's Accounting to the People series being undertaken on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.

The tour saw the Minister inspect ongoing government projects and commission completed ones, while engaging chiefs, opinion leaders and residents on their development concerns.

The initiative is aimed at showcasing the achievements of the Mahama administration in the last two years and deepening public accountability.

The Regional Minister also used the platform to appeal to traditional authorities to release lands for government projects, emphasizing that even with peace, development cannot take place without available land.

"Government is ready to develop the area, but we need our chiefs and landowners to make land available. Without land, there can be no development," the Minister stated.

Residents in both districts welcomed the engagement and expressed hope that their security concerns will be addressed swiftly to pave way for accelerated development.

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