Traders in Bolgatanga on Saturday, July 18, embarked on a peaceful demonstration to urge 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, made up largely of traders and residents, marched through parts of the municipality before presenting a formal petition to the authorities, expressing their desire for the continued presence of the security team in the region.
The petition was received by the Municipal Chief Executive for Bolgatanga, Roland Ayoo, on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga.
Addressing the demonstrators after receiving the petition, Mr. Ayoo assured them that their concerns would be transmitted to the appropriate authorities for the necessary attention and consideration.
He indicated that the government values the views of citizens and would ensure that the issues raised in the petition are given the attention they deserve.
According to the MCE, the concerns expressed by the traders would be forwarded to the relevant authorities, adding that the government would take the petition seriously and undertake whatever action may be required on its part.
Mr. Ayoo also praised the traders and residents for the orderly manner in which they conducted the demonstration.
He noted that the peaceful nature of the protest reflected the commitment of the participants to lawful civic engagement and commended them for respecting public order throughout the exercise.
The MCE further stressed that the right to demonstrate is guaranteed under Ghana’s laws and encouraged citizens to continue exercising that right responsibly whenever they seek to express their concerns on matters of public interest.
The demonstration ended peacefully after the petition was formally presented, with the traders expressing hope that the Inspector-General of Police and the relevant authorities would give favourable consideration to their request to retain the Black Maria Special Operations Team in the Upper East Region.
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