Ban on movement of police personnel to Bawku and its environs enforced

The Ghana Police Service has banned personnel movement to Bawku and nearby areas. This follows the fatal shooting of two police officers at Poyamirea, near Binduri in the Upper East Region.

A confidential message from J.W. Darison, Assistant Commissioner of Police, instructed all commanders to stop officer movements immediately. The memo emphasized a "ban on movement of personnel to Bawku." It cited “a dangerous development in Bawku and its environs” as the reason for this decision.

The directive also stated that both locals and outsiders, including their families in Binduri and Pusiga, should not enter the area. It highlighted the safety of personnel already deployed there. Officers must wear appropriate PPEs and be under armored escort.

This ban comes after recent tensions in Bawku escalated. On April 10, unidentified youth vandalized and partially burned the residence of MP Mahama Ayariga. Security sources report that military forces have been deployed to prevent further unrest.

This situation stems from a long-standing chieftaincy dispute that destabilizes the region.

In related news, the Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for the gunmen involved in the Binduri attack. ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to justice. She said they are working to identify and arrest those responsible for shooting two policemen on April 13, 2025, at Poyamirea near Binduri.