Operation Calm Life Resuscitated In Northern Region

The Northern Regional Security Council has given life to a special task force that has in the past combated insecurity in parts of the country.

Recent attacks in the Northern Region, especially in the Tamale metropolis have necessitated the call-up of the special force.

An increase in attacks on lives and property in the area especially on fuel stations have become common in recent times.

At least four people have been killed since January this year in such attacks.

Also, about seven fuel stations have so far been attacked since the beginning of the year.

Speaking at the launch of Operation Calm Lives at the Tamale Jubilee Park on Monday, the Chairman of REGSEC, who is also the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Salifu Sa-eed, described the attacks on fuel stations and mobile money centres as distasteful.

He also condemned highway robberies as well as attacks on people’s residence.

"We are here today to declare that the days of fear are over and that our security agencies are coming out strongly to deal effectively with the perpetrators of these condemnable acts," he stated.

Mr Sa-eed warned the robbers and those seeking to disturb the peace in the region that their days are numbered.

He stated that REGSEC will not allow anyone or group of persons to foment trouble of any kind in the area.

"The security agencies will put all the necessary measures [in place] to deal with those who would like to fan trouble under any of these covers" he stressed.

In December of 2017, President Akufo-Addo re-launched 'Operation Calm Life' to quell the insecurity challenges.

“We have not been able to uproot the menace of armed robbery, nor that of vigilantism. Activities of land guards still remain, despite the robust efforts put up recently by the police in dealing with them,” the President had said.

Speaking on Monday during the revamp of the task force, the Northern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Adu Sarpong, gave the assurance that the security personnel were ever ready and committed to combat the crime rate in the area.

"For the criminals, I have just a word for them; I’m telling them that an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I’m telling them that they should better go away or we’ll deal ruthlessly with them when they’re caught," he said.

He also implored stakeholders, especially politicians to allow the police carry out their duties without interference.

Mr Sarpong also charged the citizenry to defend themselves even before the intervention of the security officers. He said they should not leave the protection of their lives to only the police.

Operation Calm Lives is composed of the Sixth Infantry Battalion, Airborne Force, Immigration Service, Customs, Fire Service, Police and the Prisons Service.

Some mobile barriers are expected to be established in some strategic points in and out of the Tamale metropolis.

The government has also supported the operation with some logistics including new pickups to patrol the area, especially in the night.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com