NORTHERN REGIONAL PEACE COUNCIL REVIEWS PEACE AND SECURITY SITUATION, STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION WITH POLICE
The Northern Regional Peace Council has held its Third Quarter Meeting to review the prevailing peace and security situation in the Northern Region and strengthen collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and other stakeholders in addressing emerging security concerns.
Held on 29 September 2026 at the Conference Room of the Northern Regional Peace Council, the meeting brought together the Chairman and members of the Northern Regional Peace Council, the Regional Police Commander and representatives of the Council Secretariat.
The engagement focused particularly on efforts to combat drug peddling and related criminal activities, lessons from the operations of the “Black Maria” and “Red Maria”, community participation in security, and the need for stronger information sharing between communities and the Police.
Strengthening Efforts Against Drug-Related Crime
Briefing the Council on the security situation, the Regional Police Commander highlighted ongoing Police efforts to address drug peddling and other related criminal activities across the region.
He reported that the operations of the “Black Maria” had contributed to a significant reduction in drug peddling and generated approximately GH¢100,000 in fines within three months from persons arrested for drug-related offences.
The Commander, however, acknowledged challenges associated with the operations, including reported instances of indiscriminate discharge of firearms that resulted in loss of lives.
Following the redeployment of the Black Maria, the “Red Maria” was established to sustain efforts against drug-related activities. The Commander indicated that personnel assigned to the Red Maria had been cautioned to conduct their operations professionally and exercise restraint in the use of firearms.
The Red Maria is currently operating in Tamale Metropolis, Karaga, Yendi, Bimbilla and other parts of the Northern Region.
Communities as Partners in Maintaining Peace
The meeting emphasised that effective responses to drug-related crime require active participation from communities.
The Regional Police Commander called on community members to provide relevant information to the Police to support efforts to identify and address drug peddling and other criminal activities.
The Council also recognised the importance of strengthening community-based intelligence sharing as part of broader efforts to prevent crime and maintain peace and security.
Strengthening Police Engagement with Religious Leaders
The Chairman of the Northern Regional Peace Council highlighted the need to strengthen engagement between the Police and religious leaders, particularly leaders of mosques and churches.
He noted an apparent gap in engagement between the Police and religious communities and proposed regular visits by Police personnel to places of worship to sensitise congregants on the negative effects of illicit drugs.
Such engagements, he noted, could also encourage community members to share relevant information with the Police and contribute to preventing drug-related crime.
The proposal underscores the important role religious leaders can play in public education, community mobilisation, early identification of emerging threats and peacebuilding.
Addressing Operational Challenges
The Regional Police Commander also identified several challenges affecting security operations in the region, including inadequate fuel, manpower constraints arising from retirements and transfers, and limitations in the scope of operations.
To strengthen the Police’s capacity to respond effectively to drug-related offences, he proposed the establishment of a regional drug testing and forensic facility.
Such a facility would support the timely testing of suspected substances and help expedite the processing of drug-related cases through the justice system.
The Council’s discussions therefore highlighted the importance of providing the Police with the necessary logistical, technical and human resources to effectively fulfil their mandate.
Strengthening Institutional Collaboration for Peace
The Third Quarter Meeting provided an important platform for the Northern Regional Peace Council and the Ghana Police Service to reflect on emerging security concerns and identify practical areas for collaboration.
The engagement reaffirmed the importance of continuous dialogue, information sharing, community participation and coordinated action in addressing security challenges and preventing activities that could undermine peace and stability.
As the Northern Region continues to address drug-related crime and other emerging security concerns, stronger collaboration among the Peace Council, Police Service, religious leaders, communities and other stakeholders remains essential to building safer and more resilient communities.
