IGP heads to Bawku after irate youth allegedly torch Ayariga’s house

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, is leading a high-powered team of operations, investigation, and intelligence officers to Bawku in the Upper East Region to assess the security situation on the ground.

This move follows a violent confrontation between some youth and the police, during which one person, Fuseini Iddrisu, tragically lost his life.

Five others, including a police officer and an immigration officer, sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Calm was restored in Bawku on April 9, 2025, through a joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces.

However, tensions flared again on Thursday, April 10, when a group of agitated youth allegedly set ablaze the residence of the Member of Parliament for the area, Mahama Ayariga. The incident occurred in Wiidi, a suburb of Bawku.

Reports indicate that the MP’s residence was initially attacked by youth pelting stones, breaking windows and other parts of the building. The assault escalated into an arson attack the following morning.

The violence is believed to have been triggered by outrage over the alleged killing of a young man by the police.

In a statement released by the Ghana Police Service on Thursday, April 10, the Service said, “While at Bawku, the IGP and his team will also commiserate with the deceased family, visit the injured persons on admission and reach out to officers who lost their properties as a result of the violence.”

The Police assured the public of their continued collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces, traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders to maintain peace, security, and law and order in Bawku.