Interior Minister Henry Quartey has been summoned to appear before Parliament on Wednesday, June 26, to provide an update on the government’s actions in response to a spate of recent killings of private security personnel in Bole and Wa within the Upper West Region.
The directive came from Mr Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Second Deputy Speaker, during a parliamentary session where Yusif Sulemana, the MP for Bole, raised concerns about the alarming situation. “Mr Speaker, I want to report to you that the people of Bole are living in fear,” Mr Sulemana addressed the House, highlighting the gravity of the issue. “Between May and June, three people lost their lives through serial killings. And this morning I also read or watched TV and also heard that two people have been murdered in a very similar manner in Wa.”
Expressing dissatisfaction with the current response, Mr Sulemana emphasized the need for more effective measures: “The murderers are targeting watchmen, using stones or blocks to strike them on duty, resulting in instant death.” He underscored the urgency of the matter, noting the recent escalation of killings in both towns. “I want to draw your attention to it so that the Interior Minister can come to this House and brief us, and give some hope to those areas that are affected,” he urged.
Mr Sulemana also highlighted the severe impact on community life, citing instances where local activities were disrupted by fear. “Last month, for instance, I decided to take a walk in the Bole township and by 2030 hours, everybody was asleep; adding that ‘self-imposed curfew. Mr Speaker, we cannot continue in this manner’,” he lamented, calling for immediate action from the authorities.
Dr Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, MP for Wa Central, echoed Mr Sulemana’s concerns, describing the killings as a disturbing trend. “Security guards who were on duty at night, who were fathers and heads of families, trying to earn something for their lives, have fallen victim,” he stated, recalling previous incidents in Wa Central and the lack of progress in investigations. “We are worried about the situation; we are worried that lives are lost,” Dr Pelpuo emphasized, urging the police to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
Both MPs appealed to the Interior Minister to provide clarity on the deployment and adequacy of police personnel in affected areas. They called for immediate and comprehensive action to address the security challenges plaguing their constituencies and restore peace to the affected communities.
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