Upper West Region: Youth group appeals for presidential intervention over killings

The youth and members of the Labadi Camp in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region have urgently petitioned President Akufo-Addo to intervene in the alarming serial killings in Wa.

Representing a regional youth group with members from nearly all districts and constituencies in the region, the petitioners are seeking immediate action to address the rising wave of violence that has gripped the regional capital.

The group staged a significant demonstration to protest the ongoing serial killings, which have primarily targeted night watchmen in Wa in the Upper West Region.

The protest highlighted the frustration of residents with the perceived lack of action from the police in investigating these crimes and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The spokesperson of the group, Morris Banaamwine, presented a petition to the coordinating director of the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council. The petition outlined the grievances of the residents and demanded immediate government intervention to address the issue.

He detailed the horrifying sequence of events that have left the region in a state of fear. The petition, spearheaded by concerned citizens, outlines the gruesome nature of the killings and the inadequate response from authorities.

“Our petition has been necessitated by the gruesome killings of some citizens of the region. By way of a narrative, these killings started in 2022 when some mentally challenged persons were subjected to this inhumane and barbaric act. This was utterly shocking and for that matter sent fear into the spines of all in that, the modus operandi of these criminals cannot be determined,” Morris Banaamwini indicated.

Despite efforts by authorities to address these brutal killings, the lack of transparency and resolution continues to haunt the community. Banaamwini explained that the initial wave of violence in 2022 targeted mentally challenged individuals, causing widespread fear and uncertainty. However, he noted that the situation worsened with the subsequent murders of night security guards, who were killed while attempting to earn a living.

“This was followed by the killing of some night security who, in their attempt at putting food on the table, were sent to their maker in such a terrifying and barbaric manner. This was met with public outcry and uproar, which subsequently culminated in the setting up of a committee of investigations into this dastard act,” the spokesperson reiterated.

Despite efforts by authorities to address these brutal killings, the lack of transparency and resolution continues to haunt the community. Banaamwini noted that the establishment of an investigative committee brought a glimmer of hope, yet the absence of a conclusive report has left the region in a state of perpetual anxiety.

“The committee which was set up by the former regional minister, Hafiz Bin Salih and included top security personnel of the police and other agencies, did their work but has since not made to the public.”

“As citizens and patriotic ones at that, we were patiently anticipating a report that would not only get to the bottom of the problem but nibble it in the bud so as to boost the confidence of the populace to continue to do their businesses without any fear of being slaughtered in cold blood. In the absence of the report, we still thought and believed that, the situation was under control and these killings were going to be a thing of the past.”

As the community grapples with the resurgence of violence and the chilling memories of past atrocities, there is a growing call for accountability and decisive action from authorities.

The anguish and frustration of the people were captured by the group spokesperson, who voiced a sentiment shared by many.

“It is not only disheartening but also unfortunate and shameful that a matter that led or have seen the murder of about thirteen people, will be allowed to resurface or show its ugly heads again,” Banaamwine stated in his address.

The group called for the formation of a new investigative committee, enhanced security patrols, increased police visibility, the prompt apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators, transparency and accountability in the process, comprehensive investigations, and improved lighting infrastructure.

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets on Saturday, 13th July, 2024 to show solidarity with the families affected by these heinous acts and to demand justice for the victims. The protest culminated in the presentation of a petition to the government through the Coordinating Director of the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council at Wa Jubilee Park.

The spate of serial killings in Wa began in 2022, initially targeting mentally challenged individuals. These attacks were deeply shocking due to their brutal nature and the apparent randomness of the victims. The situation escalated with the murders of several night security personnel, causing widespread fear and insecurity within the community.

In response to public outcry, a committee was established by the former Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, to investigate the killings. Despite this initiative, the findings of the committee have not been made public, and no significant progress has been reported.

This lack of transparency and perceived inaction have eroded public confidence in the authorities’ ability to protect them.

The most recent killings, which occurred on 18 June 2024, involved the murder of two-night security guards at the District Education Office of Wa East and Wa Model Junior High School. These incidents have reignited public anger and fear, prompting the latest round of demonstrations.

The demonstration organised by Labadi Camp drew a large crowd of concerned citizens, all demanding urgent action from the government and security agencies. The group marched through the streets of Wa, wearing red and black attire, chanting slogans and carrying placards that called for justice and better protection for residents.

Reporting by Alhassan Tajudeen in the Upper West Region

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