In the quiet town of Nalerigu, North East Region of Ghana, shockwaves rippled through the community after two houses were deliberately set ablaze in arson attacks. The incidents, which occurred under the cover of darkness, have ignited fears of escalating unrest, displacing families, and prompting urgent demands for tougher security protocols as the holiday season nears.
Security expert Richard Komadoe, a veteran analyst with deep insights into northern Ghana’s volatile dynamics, reacted swiftly in an interview, said “When they were imposing the curfew on Bawku, we should have extended the curfew that was imposed on Bawku to the people of Nalerigu,” Komadoe stated firmly, arguing that proactive regional coverage could have nipped the violence in the bud.
While acknowledging the positive steps underway, Komadoe tempered his praise with realism. “It’s okay as the police personnel head towards the area for peace, especially during the festive season,” he said, noting the critical timing with Christmas and New Year festivities just weeks away. However, he cautioned that curfews aren’t a cure-all: “Curfews are short-time measures to ensure that we have security management balance,” emphasizing their temporary nature in stabilizing hotspots without stifling everyday life.
Komadoe placed his hopes in scaled-up enforcement, directly appealing to top brass. “I have hope that the IGP should send more security because the more security we have on the ground means they can cover all the areas and they can keep a close eye on where the trouble force will be coming from,” he urged. Increased patrols, he explained, would blanket vulnerable zones, enabling real-time intelligence to preempt attacks rather than chase aftermaths.
He also called on higher authorities for vigilant oversight. “It is also important that the Ministry of Interior will watch the curfew regime carefully and review it appropriately in order not to cause more problems into this situation,” Komadoe advised.
Instead, Ghana’s security apparatus must pivot: “We should have expected such a thing and be more responsive instead of being reactive, in a manner that ensures we curtail the trend and give no room for anybody to take anybody by surprise because the element of surprise is what has led to the burning down of the houses.”
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson