Tamale clashes: GH¢300 for every ammunition returned

Residents of Tamale and its environs are to be paid GH¢300.00 for every single illegal weapon returned to the police.

The decision taken by the Northern Regional Security Council is part of an innovative means to mop up weapons, after a month long ultimatum for residents to return illegal weapons proved futile.

Speaking to Joy News, the Regional Commander, Ofosu Mensah Gyeabour, said the residents have one more month within which to voluntarily return the weapons.

He will not disclose the source of funding for the project which is expected to cost the state several thousands of cedis.

He maintained the Security Council will review the next line of action if the measure does not yield the right results.

Tamale has been susceptible to violent clashes most of which have been carried out with sophisticated weapons.

Meanwhile, a security analyst Emmanuel Bombande said the move is not enough.

He said multiple measures including stakeholders' peace building meetings must be taken to address the situation.

He said the arms were only the means by which the residents carry out their frustrations, stressing the underlying problems must be solved.

Residents have meanwhile expressed mixed reactions over the new plan.

Story by Nathan Gadugah