Traders and residents in Bolgatanga held a peaceful demonstration on Saturday, July 18, to appeal to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to retain the Special Operations Team, popularly known as the Black Maria, in the Upper East Region.
The demonstrators marched through parts of the municipality before presenting a petition, calling for the continued deployment of the security team in the region.
Roland Ayoo, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bolgatanga, received the petition on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga.
Speaking after accepting the petition, Mr Ayoo assured the protesters that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for consideration.
He said the government values the views of citizens and would ensure that the issues raised receive the necessary attention.
According to the MCE, the petition will be submitted to the relevant authorities, who will carefully review the request and take any necessary action.
Mr Ayoo also commended the traders and residents for conducting the demonstration peacefully and in an orderly manner.
He said the calm nature of the protest demonstrated the participants’ commitment to lawful civic engagement and respect for public order.
The MCE further reminded the public that the right to demonstrate is protected under Ghana’s laws and encouraged citizens to continue exercising that right responsibly whenever they wish to raise concerns on matters of national interest.
The demonstration ended peacefully after the petition was presented, with the traders expressing hope that the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities would consider their request and retain the Black Maria Special Operations Team in the Upper East Region.
