A coalition of concerned residents in the Northern Region has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu, to redeploy the IGP Special Operations Task Force, popularly known as “Black Maria,” to Tamale amid what the group describes as a resurgence in illicit drug activity and related crime.
The petition, submitted by the Convener, Abdulai Manan, popularly known as Jibson, on behalf of residents of Tamale and the wider Northern Region, is also seeking the reinstatement of DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil as commander of the task force.
The residents said the return of the unit had become necessary because of what they described as a fresh increase in the sale and abuse of illicit drugs, particularly Tramadol, in Tamale and surrounding communities.
According to the petitioners, Black Maria was deployed to Tamale in November 2025 to reinforce security operations following growing concerns over armed robbery, drug peddling and related offences.
They said the task force made significant progress in disrupting drug peddling and abuse and created a stronger visible security presence across the metropolis and surrounding communities.
However, the residents said the task force was subsequently withdrawn following agitation from some political and traditional authorities.
The Northern Regional Police Command subsequently established a local task force, known as “Red Maria,” to continue the anti-crime operations.
While acknowledging the work of Red Maria, the petitioners said its activities and results had not matched the scale, visibility and deterrent effect they attributed to Black Maria under DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil.
“Tamale is experiencing yet another surge in drugs and crime, and we believe the presence of an effective task force will go a long way toward reducing it,” the group said.
Call for urgent intervention
The petitioners are urging the IGP to urgently redeploy Black Maria to the Northern Region and retain DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil as its leader, citing the results, discipline and operational momentum recorded during its previous deployment.
They, however, want any redeployment to be accompanied by stronger oversight and accountability measures.
The residents have proposed regular reporting to the Northern Regional Police Command and the IGP’s office, as well as a formal complaints mechanism through which members of the public can report alleged misconduct or excesses for prompt investigation.
The petitioners acknowledged that Black Maria had previously faced complaints over alleged excessive conduct in its dealings with some members of the public.
They said those concerns should not prevent the task force from being redeployed but should inform the establishment of stronger supervisory structures to ensure that its operations remain professional, disciplined and within the law.
Copies of the petition have been sent to the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa, and the Northern Regional Police Command in Tamale.
The residents warned that the alleged resurgence of illicit drug activity posed a threat to community safety and the wellbeing of young people in the region.
They called on the Police Administration to treat the petition with urgency and said they were prepared to cooperate with the Ghana Police Service and provide further information to support their request.
The petitioners said they believed that a task force with the strength, visibility and effectiveness they associated with Black Maria could significantly reduce drug-related crime in Tamale and the wider Northern Region.
