Traders in Bolgatanga took to the streets on Saturday, July 18, in a peaceful demonstration calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to keep the Special Operations Team, popularly known as the Black Maria, stationed in the Upper East Region.
The demonstrators marched through sections of the municipality before presenting a formal petition, making clear their wish for the security team’s continued presence in the region.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, the Municipal Chief Executive for Bolgatanga, Roland Ayoo, assured them their concerns would be passed on to the relevant authorities for the necessary attention.
He said government places value on the views of citizens and would ensure the issues raised by the demonstrators receive the consideration they deserve, adding that whatever action is required on the government’s part would be undertaken.
The MCE further commended the traders and residents for the orderly conduct of the demonstration, describing it as a reflection of their commitment to lawful civic engagement. He said the peaceful nature of the protest showed respect for public order throughout the exercise.
He further noted that the right to demonstrate is constitutionally guaranteed, and encouraged citizens to keep exercising that right responsibly whenever they wish to raise matters of public interest.
The demonstration ended without incident once the petition had been formally handed over, with the traders voicing hope that the IGP and relevant authorities would give their request favourable consideration.
