The Mamprugu Youth Association (MAYA) has leveled serious accusations of bias against the Ghana Police Service, alleging a systematic failure to address criminal activities involving the Kusasi ethnic group in the Bawku area. This perceived preferential treatment, according to MAYA, has created a climate of insecurity and emboldened criminal elements, particularly along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom highway, thereby escalating the risk of violent extremism. The association contends that this alleged negligence not only compromises the safety of commuters and residents but also undermines the broader peace-building efforts in the volatile region. MAYA’s claims underscore the deep-seated ethnic tensions and the perceived inadequacy of law enforcement in addressing the complex security challenges in Bawku.
Central to MAYA’s accusations is the assertion that the police have consistently failed to report or investigate a series of attacks along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom highway. The association highlighted specific incidents, including an attack on a passenger bus under military escort on December 23rd, as evidence of this alleged deliberate inaction. The lack of official acknowledgment of these incidents, according to MAYA, fuels the perception of bias and erodes public trust in the police force. They argue that this silence effectively grants impunity to perpetrators, further exacerbating the cycle of violence and mistrust between the different ethnic groups in the region.
The alleged police inaction regarding the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom highway stands in stark contrast to what MAYA describes as prompt and diligent reporting of incidents along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway. This perceived disparity in response, according to the association, reinforces their belief that the Kusasi ethnic group is being favored by the police, while the Mamprusi community suffers from neglect and marginalization. This perceived double standard not only undermines the credibility of law enforcement but also deepens the existing ethnic divisions, potentially escalating the conflict. MAYA argues that this selective approach to law enforcement fuels resentment and mistrust, hindering efforts to foster peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic groups.
The President of the Bawku Chapter of MAYA, Seidu Awudu, articulated the association’s frustration, characterizing the perceived trend as “disturbing, biased, and skewed to favor the Kusasi ethnic group at our detriment.” This statement encapsulates the core of MAYA’s grievances, highlighting their perception of being unfairly targeted and marginalized by the very institutions tasked with protecting them. This sense of injustice, coupled with the alleged inaction of the police, contributes to the volatile security situation in the region. MAYA’s accusations underscore the urgent need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged police bias to restore public trust and ensure the safety of all communities in Bawku.
In response to the perceived security failures and alleged bias, MAYA has issued a strong call for immediate action from both the police and the military. They demand a comprehensive security strategy to address the vulnerabilities along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom highway and prevent further escalation of violence. This includes increased patrols, improved intelligence gathering, and swift response to reported incidents. Furthermore, MAYA emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach to law enforcement, one that ensures fairness and equal protection for all residents, regardless of their ethnic background. This call for inclusivity underscores the fundamental requirement for impartial policing to build trust and foster peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities in Bawku.
The accusations leveled by MAYA against the Ghana Police Service underscore the complex and deeply rooted challenges in the Bawku area. The alleged police bias, coupled with the ongoing ethnic tensions, creates a volatile environment ripe for conflict. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond simply increasing security presence. It necessitates building trust between the police and the communities they serve, ensuring impartial law enforcement, and fostering dialogue and reconciliation among the different ethnic groups. A failure to address these underlying issues will likely perpetuate the cycle of violence and instability in the region, hindering the prospects for lasting peace and development.
