A development activist from the Talensi District in the Upper East Region, has written an open letter to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohunu, urging urgent intervention to curb what he describes as persistent and deadly armed robbery activities in the area.
In the letter dated January 2, 2026, Solomon T.T.B. Zinekena expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Talensi, stating that the district has increasingly become unsafe for residents, workers, and visitors.
He noted that armed robbers have allegedly been targeting residents, dispossessing them of motorbikes, money, gold, mobile phones, and other valuables, and in some cases shooting, maiming, and killing victims.
Mr. Zinekena cited a recent incident that occurred on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at about 8:00 pm along the Buugu-Earl International Group Mining Road at Gbane.
According to him, armed robbers shot and killed a young mason, identified as Listowel Mbatoat Babamporhi, from Baare in the Talensi District.
He said the killing has created widespread fear among youth, women, miners, and workers of mining companies operating in the area.
The activist further alleged that from 2022 to date, no fewer than seven young people have been shot and killed by armed robbers in the district, with several others sustaining life-altering injuries.
He described armed robbery as having become a near-daily occurrence in Talensi, particularly in the eastern part of the district.
According to the letter, the persistent insecurity has had serious socio-economic consequences. Mr. Zinekena revealed that some nurses and teachers have declined postings to parts of the district due to fear of robbery attacks.
He added that businesses now close early in the evenings, while referrals of sick persons and women in labour from lower health facilities to the Talensi District Hospital in Tongo are often delayed until morning for fear of night attacks. Social events held in the evenings, he noted, have also been affected, with attendees often compelled to remain overnight.
Mr. Zinekena questioned whether the activities of the armed robbers had effectively imposed an unofficial curfew on residents, despite the absence of any Executive Instrument to that effect.
He stressed that the situation has created a climate of fear rather than a medical or psychological condition.
While acknowledging the efforts of personnel of the Ghana Police Service nationwide, the activist urged the IGP to exercise his constitutional mandate under Article 200(3) of the 1992 Constitution by taking decisive action to restore law and order in Talensi.
He expressed confidence in the leadership of the IGP and pledged his readiness to collaborate lawfully with the police, youth groups, and other key stakeholders to help address the security challenges in the district.
“The situation is precarious and urgently requires leadership, experience, and commitment to flush out these notorious armed robbers who have no respect for human life,” the letter stated.
Residents of Talensi, he concluded, are anxiously awaiting swift and decisive action from the Ghana Police Service to restore peace and security in the district.