The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has commissioned the newly completed Upper West Regional Police Headquarters in Wa, calling for stronger collaboration between the police and the public to sustain peace and security in the region.
The commissioning marks the fulfillment of a decades-long vision to provide the Upper West Region with a befitting regional police headquarters. Since the region’s creation in 1983, the Regional Police Command had operated from facilities originally built to serve as the Wa Police Station and district headquarters under the former Upper Region.
A major milestone in the project’s journey occurred on November 25, 2014, when the then Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Alhassan, performed the groundbreaking ceremony. The vision was sustained through successive police administrations and was eventually completed in 2025 through the combined efforts of the immediate past IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and the current IGP, Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
Hon. Muntaka paid special tribute to the Overlord of the Waala Traditional Area, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, whose intervention was instrumental in securing land for the project, noting that without his timely support, the facility would not have been possible.
In his address, the Interior Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the Ghana Police Service through continuous investment in infrastructure, logistics, mobility, and communication equipment. However, he stressed that accountability and proper management of these resources are critical.
“Every office must be maintained. Every vehicle must be handled with care. Every piece of equipment must be protected and used efficiently,” he cautioned.
Describing security as a top national priority, Hon. Muntaka noted that effective policing depends not only on resources but also on diligence, discipline, and accountability within the service.
He also highlighted the sacrifices made by police officers, describing them as the “thin line between calm and chaos,” and urged the public to regard officers as partners rather than adversaries.
The Minister called on residents of the Upper West Region to support, respect, and cooperate with the police by sharing timely information, stressing that a police service embraced by the people becomes more effective and responsive.
The new headquarters brings together administrative offices, investigative units, and specialized operational teams under a single command structure. According to Hon. Muntaka, this will enhance rapid response, improve crime management, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and bring policing closer to communities.
He emphasized, however, that the police cannot fight crime alone. “Security is a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something,” he urged.
On his part, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, highlighted significant improvements in crime control across the region. He disclosed that intelligence-led operations and community policing initiatives have contributed to a 46.7 percent reduction in highway robberies in 2025 compared to 2024.
He also cited the successful resolution of the serial killings that previously heightened fear in the region, noting that suspects have been arrested and are currently facing trial.
“These achievements reaffirm that crime has no refuge in the Upper West Region,” DCOP Yiribaare stated, commending officers for their professionalism, resilience, and dedication.
The ultra-modern facility was constructed by Donbarak GH Ltd, which was praised for delivering a functional and impressive structure tailored to the operational needs of the Ghana Police Service.
The commissioning of the headquarters is expected to further strengthen peace, security, and public confidence in policing, while contributing to the socio-economic development of the Upper West Region.
By Ahmed Saanyuo Abubakari.
