Traditional leaders issue formal apology after youth unrest disrupts high-level police visit
The Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, narrowly escaped injury after a brief but disturbing security incident in Bawku, a conflict-prone municipality in Ghana’s Upper East Region, during a working visit aimed at promoting dialogue and restoring stability.
Shortly after a scheduled meeting with the Bawku Naaba, where the IGP engaged traditional authorities in efforts to build trust and enhance local security collaboration, his convoy was targeted by an individual who hurled stones at the entourage. The incident occurred at the entrance of the palace. One police officer sustained a minor injury, security officials confirmed.
The attacker believed to be a local youth, was swiftly apprehended by palace aides and subdued before being handed over to law enforcement. Palace officials, visibly disturbed by the breach of protocol and violence, moved quickly to contain tensions. A high-level traditional delegation subsequently met with the IGP to offer a formal apology and reaffirm their commitment to peace and security in the region.
The IGP’s presence in Bawku formed part of a broader outreach initiative designed to deepen state engagement in volatile areas, rebuild public confidence, and assess the security environment firsthand.
Though the motive behind the incident remains unclear, the episode has underlined the complex challenges facing Bawku — a community with a history of sporadic violence and simmering grievances. The swift response by traditional leaders and the restraint exercised by security personnel have been credited with preventing a potentially volatile situation from escalating.
Police sources say Yohuno remains focused on sustained dialogue and professional restraint as essential tools for long-term peace. It remains to be seen whether the incident will trigger additional operational reviews.
As Ghana continues to navigate pockets of regional instability, collaborative engagement between traditional leadership and security institutions remains central to the national peace agenda.
