The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) has called for a full and impartial investigation into the deaths of a teacher and a police officer at Gindabour, as well as alleged destruction of private property and other abuses following the violence.
The association wants investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the death of Seidu Abu and General Constable Redeemer Owusu and determine whether any civilian or security officer committed an offence during the events.
The call comes as 44 suspects are now in police custody over the killing of Constable Owusu, following their arraignment before the Buipe Magistrate Court. They have been charged with conspiracy and murder and are expected to reappear on October 12, 2026.
In a statement issued on Sunday, September 20, 2026, GLYA National President, Alhassan Baba Darison, said the association condemned both killings and would not prejudge the ongoing investigations.
“We want the truth. We want the facts established. And we want justice to be done,” the association said.
According to the Ghana Police Service, the incident began when a highway patrol team encountered a motorbike rider who allegedly diverted into the bush after seeing the police vehicle.
The officers later found the rider unconscious and attempted to take him to hospital, but he died while being transported.
The death triggered anger in the community and was followed by a mob attack on the patrol team in which Constable Owusu was killed. Other officers were injured and the police vehicle was damaged. The bodies of both deceased persons were subsequently conveyed to the Damongo Morgue for preservation and autopsy.
GLYA, however, said the circumstances surrounding Abu’s death must also be independently established.
It called for investigators to determine exactly what happened during his encounter with the police, including whether excessive or unlawful force was used and whether proper procedures were followed.
The association said it was equally concerned about reports of property destruction and the displacement of residents following the deaths.
Reports from residents have alleged the destruction of vehicles, houses and other private property after the police officer was killed, with some residents fleeing Gindabour amid heightened tensions.
GLYA said those allegations must form part of the investigation.
It insisted that accountability must not depend on whether a person is a civilian or a member of the security services.
“A civilian must not be protected because of his status. And a security officer must not be protected simply because he wears a uniform,” the association said.
GLYA also condemned the killing of Constable Owusu and called for all persons found to have participated in the attack to be prosecuted.
It said the judicial process must be allowed to determine the guilt or otherwise of the accused persons.
The association also criticised what it described as the apparent silence of the Ghana Education Service following Abu’s death.
It said while the GES should not prejudge the investigation, the institution had a responsibility to demonstrate solidarity with the family of one of its employees.
“When a teacher dies under circumstances that have generated serious public concern, the institution he served should not appear indifferent,” GLYA said.
The association further called on security personnel deployed to Gindabour and surrounding communities to exercise restraint and professionalism.
It warned against collective punishment, indiscriminate treatment of residents, intimidation, unlawful destruction of property and abuse.
GLYA wants the government to take urgent steps to restore normal life in the affected communities as the security situation improves.
It called for residents who fled their homes to be given assurances to return safely, farmers to regain access to their farms, children to return to school and businesses to reopen.
The association also wants relevant forensic and investigative findings published at the appropriate time and anyone found culpable prosecuted, whether civilian or security personnel.
It further called for clearer communication between government, security agencies and affected communities to prevent rumours, fear and misinformation.
GLYA appealed to residents of Gindabour, Kong and surrounding communities to remain calm and urged traditional, religious, youth and women’s leaders to help prevent further violence.
It warned against a cycle of revenge, stressing that the deaths of the teacher and police officer should not lead to further loss of life.
The association said Gindabour needs peace and justice and urged all parties to allow the investigations and judicial process to establish responsibility for the events that have left the community deeply divided and traumatised.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
