During his recent visit to Bawku, Akambugri Donatus Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, provided clarification on the recent hooting directed at Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
According to the minister, it was an expression of annoyance at how the security situation in the region was being handled, not a response to his plea for peace.
Mr. Atanga clarified that the people wanted an end to the war and the establishment of a lasting peace; thus, they were unhappy with the IGP’s comments during his visit, especially the offer of special police recruitment as a condition for laying down arms.
On Saturday, April 12, he provided explanations on JoyNews’ Newsfile show.
He claimed that the young people were not impressed by the offer because their main reason for gathering was to call for an end to the ongoing war, not to get special treatment when applying for police jobs.
According to Atanga, “he asked them to give peace a chance, which is why the people were not hooting at the IGP.” But when he assured them that they would be granted priority recruiting into the police because they were requesting jobs, they were not pleased. They made that noise because they were unhappy with the way the security forces handled the situation in Bawku.
Following increased tensions in Bawku, where security issues have existed for a number of years, the Minister made these remarks.
His comments point to a widening gap between official actions and citizens’ expectations, especially those of the younger generation, who demand more equitable and forceful security measures as well as economic prospects.
