By Zobia Zulfqar 
Traders in Bolgatanga have petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to retain the Special Operations Team, popularly known as the Black Maria, in the Upper East Region.
The appeal was made during a peaceful demonstration held on Saturday, July 18, as traders and residents called for the continued deployment of the security team, which they believe has contributed to maintaining peace and security in the area.
The demonstrators marched through several principal streets in Bolgatanga before presenting a formal petition to local authorities for onward transmission to the Inspector General of Police and the appropriate government institutions.
The demonstration attracted a large number of traders, market women, transport operators and residents, all of whom expressed support for keeping the Special Operations Team in the region.
The petition was received by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bolgatanga, Roland Ayoo, on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga.
Receiving the petition, Mr. Ayoo assured the demonstrators that their concerns would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities for consideration.
He said the government values the views of citizens and would ensure that the petition receives the necessary attention.
According to him, the issues raised by the traders would be forwarded to the relevant state institutions, where they would be carefully reviewed before any decisions are made.
“The concerns expressed in the petition will be transmitted to the appropriate authorities, and the government will give them the attention they deserve,” he assured the demonstrators.
Mr. Ayoo also commended the participants for conducting the demonstration peacefully and responsibly.
He praised the traders and residents for maintaining public order throughout the exercise and said their conduct demonstrated a strong commitment to lawful civic engagement.
The MCE noted that the right to demonstrate peacefully is guaranteed under Ghana’s Constitution and encouraged citizens to continue exercising that right responsibly whenever they wish to raise concerns on issues affecting their communities.
Although the petition did not publicly detail all the reasons for requesting the continued presence of the Black Maria team, participants indicated that they believe the security unit has played an important role in maintaining law and order in the Upper East Region.
Many traders said a visible security presence helps create a safer environment for businesses, residents and visitors.
Bolgatanga serves as one of the major commercial centres in northern Ghana, with traders travelling from different parts of the country and neighbouring West African countries to conduct business.
For many business owners, security remains a key factor in ensuring uninterrupted trading activities and protecting lives and property.
The Special Operations Team, commonly referred to as the Black Maria, has been deployed in several parts of Ghana to support police operations, respond to security threats and assist in maintaining public order during special operations.
Its presence in the Upper East Region has attracted public attention in recent months, leading many residents to express differing opinions about its continued deployment.
The peaceful demonstration reflects the growing involvement of local communities in discussions about public safety and policing.
Civil society groups and community leaders have often encouraged citizens to engage government institutions through lawful means, including petitions and peaceful protests, when raising issues of public concern.
The Bolgatanga demonstration ended without any reported incidents, with participants dispersing peacefully after presenting their petition.
Authorities have not indicated when a decision will be made regarding the request to retain the Special Operations Team in the region.
The Inspector General of Police and other relevant security agencies are expected to review the petition before determining the next course of action.
For now, the traders say they remain hopeful that their concerns will be considered and that the Black Maria security team will continue its operations in the Upper East Region to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace, public safety and confidence among residents and the business community.
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