By Solomon T. T. B. Zinekena
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP),
Ghana Police Service,
Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohunu
The persistent wave of armed robbery in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region has reached alarming proportions and now demands urgent national attention. This open letter is written with a deep sense of responsibility, grief, and concern for the safety of lives and property in the district.
The Ghana Police Service is constitutionally mandated under Chapter 15, Article 200(3) of the 1992 Constitution to maintain law and order without fear or favour. While it is acknowledged that officers of the Service continue to make commendable efforts in safeguarding communities across the country, the current security situation in Talensi indicates a clear need for strengthened intervention.
Talensi, once a relatively peaceful district, is increasingly becoming unsafe. Armed robbers have virtually taken over sections of the district, attacking residents and dispossessing them of motorcycles, money, gold, mobile phones, and other valuables. In several instances, these attacks have resulted in severe injuries and tragic loss of life, particularly among young breadwinners from less privileged families.
A particularly devastating incident occurred on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, at about 8:00 pm along the Buugu–Earl International Group Mining Road at Gbane. Armed robbers shot and killed a young mason, Listowel Mbatoat Babamporhi, a native of Baare in the Talensi District. His death has cast a dark shadow over the district and heightened fear among residents, especially youth, women, miners, and employees of mining companies operating in the area.
This incident is not isolated. From 2022 to date, no fewer than seven young people have reportedly been killed through armed robbery attacks in Talensi, with many others sustaining life-altering injuries. Robbery incidents have become disturbingly frequent, to the extent that hardly a day passes without a reported case.
The impact on social and economic life has been severe. Some nurses and teachers have declined postings to parts of the district, particularly the eastern corridor, citing insecurity. Business activities slow down sharply after dusk. Emergency night referrals—especially involving women in labour—from peripheral health facilities to the Talensi District Hospital in Tongo are often delayed until morning due to fear of attacks. Social events held in the evenings now compel attendees to remain overnight rather than risk travelling in the dark.
In effect, Talensi appears to be operating under an unofficial curfew—one imposed not by executive authority, but by fear. Residents have involuntarily restricted their movements in a bid to stay alive. This situation is neither imagined nor exaggerated; it is a lived reality for the people of the district.
The security situation is precarious and requires decisive leadership. There is an urgent need for enhanced police presence, intelligence-led operations, and sustained collaboration with community leaders and youth groups to dismantle these criminal networks. Confidence remains high in the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police and the capacity of the Ghana Police Service to restore safety and public trust in Talensi.
As a development activist and concerned citizen, I remain willing to support any lawful initiative that brings together security agencies, community stakeholders, and the youth to find a lasting solution to this menace, which has begun to resemble a malignant threat to community life.
The people of Talensi are anxiously awaiting swift and decisive action.
May the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace.
Source: BLUEWAVES RADIO| 93.7 mhz| Maurice Duncan
