The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) has called for a full, transparent and impartial investigation into the deaths of a teacher, Mr. Seidu Abu, and General Constable Redeemer Owusu of the Ghana Police Service during recent disturbances at Gindabour in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
President of the Gonjaland Youth Association, Mr. Alhassan Baba Darison, made the call on Sunday, September 20, 2026, when he addressed the media on behalf of the association’s National Executive Committee.
According to him, the two deaths had left families grieving, traumatised the affected communities and heightened tensions in the area.
Mr. Darison said GLYA condemned all forms of unlawful killing and violence, stressing that neither the death of Mr. Abu nor the killing of the police officer could be justified.
He said the association was not interested in conclusions based on rumours or assumptions but wanted the facts surrounding both deaths to be established through credible investigations.
“We want the truth. We want the facts established. And we want justice to be done,” he said.
Mr. Darison expressed particular concern about the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Seidu Abu, a teacher and member of the Ghana Education Service.
He said reports indicated that Mr. Abu’s death followed an encounter with police officers, and although investigations were ongoing, there were legitimate questions that needed answers, including what happened during the encounter, what led to Mr. Abu’s death, whether unlawful or excessive force was used, and whether the appropriate procedures were followed.
The GLYA President also criticised what he described as the apparent silence of the Ghana Education Service following the death of one of its teachers.
He said the association was not asking the GES to prejudge investigations, but expected the institution to demonstrate solidarity and institutional responsibility towards a member of its workforce who had died under circumstances that had generated significant public concern.
On the death of General Constable Redeemer Owusu, Mr. Darison was equally unequivocal, saying the association condemned his killing.
He stressed that no individual or group had the right to take the law into its own hands and called for anyone found to have participated in the attack that resulted in the police officer’s death to be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The association also raised concerns about reports of vandalism and destruction of private property in and around Gindabour following the disturbances and subsequent security response.
Mr. Darison called for investigations into reports of property destruction, including allegations involving the vehicle of Kongwura Adamu Seidu Jinkurge I.
He said accountability must apply equally to civilians and security personnel.
“If civilians destroyed properties, those responsible must face the law. If security personnel are found, through credible investigation, to have unlawfully destroyed properties, intimidated residents or abused their authority, they too must face the law,” he stated.
Mr. Darison acknowledged the responsibility of government and security agencies to protect lives and property, particularly following the killing of a police officer.
However, he urged authorities to assess the situation and begin steps towards restoring normal life in Gindabour as soon as conditions permit.
He said the security presence should be progressively scaled down as the situation stabilises, allowing residents to return home, farmers to access their farms, children to return to school and businesses to reopen.
“Security must give people confidence and protection. It must not create an atmosphere where innocent residents feel intimidated,” he said.
The GLYA President further urged security personnel deployed to Gindabour and surrounding communities to exercise professionalism and restraint.
He cautioned against collective punishment, indiscriminate treatment of residents, unlawful destruction of property, intimidation and abuse.
According to him, individuals suspected of criminal conduct should be investigated and prosecuted through due process, but an entire community should not be punished for the actions of individuals.
Among its demands, GLYA is calling for a transparent investigation into the deaths of Mr. Seidu Abu and General Constable Redeemer Owusu, publication of relevant forensic and investigative findings at the appropriate time, and prosecution of anyone found culpable, irrespective of whether the person is a civilian or security officer.
The association is also demanding investigations into allegations of property destruction and abuse of civilians, accountability for any security personnel found to have acted unlawfully, and urgent measures to restore normal life in Gindabour.
It further wants residents who have fled their homes to receive adequate protection and assurance to return safely, while government and security agencies maintain clear communication with affected communities to prevent rumours, fear and misinformation.
Mr. Darison appealed to residents of Gindabour, Kong and surrounding communities to remain calm and urged traditional, religious, youth, women and other opinion leaders to help maintain peace.
He warned against allowing the deaths to trigger a cycle of revenge and further violence.
“We cannot bring Mr. Seidu Abu back. We cannot bring General Constable Redeemer Owusu back. But we can ensure that their deaths are not in vain,” he said.
He reiterated that GLYA would not support mob attacks, destruction of property or attacks on security personnel, while also rejecting impunity, abuse of power and unlawful treatment of innocent civilians.
“Let the truth be established. Let justice be done. Let everyone who has broken the law face the law. Let innocent residents be protected, and let normal life return to Gindabour,” Mr. Darison said.
Source: nkilgifm.com
