9 MORE BAWKU SUSPECTS TRANSFERRED TO ACCRA (D/G Friday July 11, 2008, PAGE 39)

THE police administration in the Upper East Region has dispatched nine more persons arrested in connection with the conflict in Bawku to Accra to facilitate speedy investigation and trial.The suspects, who were arrested nearly two weeks ago, were transported by road to Tamale last Thursday from where they will be airlifted to Accra to join 17 others, who are on various charges.Briefing the press at Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police, (DCOP), Ofosu Mensah Gyeabour, said the suspects, who have already appeared before a Bolgatanga Magistrate Court on charges of murder, conspiracy to murder and rioting with weapons, were being transferred to Accra for security reasons.He gave the assurance that the police would work to ensure that peace returned to the Bawku municipality to ensure that the people went about their normal activities without fear.Meanwhile the Police Command has taken delivery of 17 vehicles to facilitate the work of the police in the region.At the presentation ceremony at Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Alhassan Samari, said the presentation showed the government’s commitment to equipping the police to enable them to deliver effectively and efficiently.He said most of the vehicles would be dispatched to Bawku to help the police in the fight to halt the conflict there."The inability of the police to move around in Bawku is due to the lack of vehicles. With these new vehicles, I am hopeful that you will put up your optimum best in order to maintain the peace of the area," he said, adding that "peace in Bawku is something that must be maintained".Mr Samari urged the drivers of the new vehicles to ensure their judicious use and conduct regular maintenance to enhance their lifespan.DCOP Ofosu Mensah Gyeabour expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana and the Police Administration for allocating the vehicles to the region, which, will go a long way to help in the fight against crime in the region.He said in order to ensure the effective use of the vehicles, an orientation course is being organised for the drivers, with resource persons selected from Accra and the region to train the drivers on the effective management of the vehicles.