Police raise alarm over tribal-related tensions in Wa West
The Upper West Regional Police Commander, Francis Yiribaare, has expressed concern over occasional tensions in the Wa West District linked to longstanding tribal feuds.
The concern was raised when the Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu, and the District Chief Executive, Richard Wullo, paid a courtesy call on the Ghana Police Service Upper West Regional Command on March 5.
The meeting focused on reviewing the security situation in the district and assessing ongoing police operational strategies aimed at maintaining peace and stability.
Briefing the delegation, DCOP Yiribaare provided updates on investigations into several incidents recorded in the district over the past two years.
He noted that while some cases have been taken to court, others remain under active investigation.
The Regional Commander said criminal activity in the district remains generally low, attributing the situation to security measures implemented by the police in collaboration with stakeholders.
However, he noted that occasional tensions continue to surface, largely fueled by longstanding tribal disputes.
According to him, such situations often lead to crimes being generalised along tribal or group lines rather than focusing on individual criminal responsibility, a development he said deepens mistrust and heightens tensions within communities.
At the end of the engagement, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and coordination in addressing security concerns.
They also pledged to work closely with traditional authorities, youth groups and other stakeholders to help resolve underlying ethnic tensions and promote peace, security and development in the district.
