Three groups in the Savannah Region have condemned the violent incident at Gindabour in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District that led to the deaths of a teacher and a police officer on 16th September, 2026.
The deceased have been identified as Mr. Abu Seidu, a teacher, and General Constable Redeemer Owusu of the Ghana Police Service.
The groups are the Vagla Youth Association (VAYA), the Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA), and the
Lobi/Birifor Council of Elders (LoCOE).
In separate press statements, the groups extended condolences to the bereaved families and called for calm, restraint, and an independent investigation.
VAYA, in a statement dated 18th September, 2026, said both men were employees of the State whose lives were equally valuable. The association noted conflicting accounts of the incident. According to VAYA, the Police say theyGYLA found the teacher unconscious after he diverted from the road and he died on his way to hospital, while community members claim he died as a result of police action. The teacher’s death was reportedly followed by a mob attack in which the police officer was killed.
VAYA expressed concern over reports of arrests, destruction of property, and the displacement of residents, noting that women, children, the aged, the sick and persons with disabilities are the most affected. It appealed to the Police to exercise restraint and target only persons with reasonable evidence of involvement, and urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with lawful investigations and refrain from any act of violence, retaliation or confrontation with the security services.
GLYA, in its statement dated 19th September, 2026, signed by its National President, Al-Hassan Baba Darison, also condemned the killings, particularly the mob attack that killed the police officer.
GLYA said it is worried about reports of gunshots, destruction of property, and the displacement of residents, including vandalism of properties belonging to the Paramount Chief of the Kong Traditional Area, Kongwura Seidu Adamu Jinkurige I. The association called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to ensure that personnel deployed to the area exercise maximum restraint and respect for civilian rights, and that security operations do not result in collective punishment.
The Lobi Council of Elders, in its statement dated 19th September, 2026 and signed by its Secretary, Thomas Boadi Soyori, also described the incident as tragic and extended condolences to both families, the Ghana Education Service, and the Ghana Police Service.
The Lobi Council of Elders called for:
- An independent, comprehensive and transparent investigation into all circumstances surrounding the death of the teacher, the death of General Constable Redeemer Owusu and all related incidents that occurred before, during and after the confrontation.
- Full cooperation by all parties, including community members, witnesses, security agencies and public institutions, to ensure that the facts are established without fear or favour.
- Respect for the constitutional rights of all persons arrested or under investigation, including access to due process and a fair and speedy hearing.
- Immediate steps to restore confidence, security and normalcy in Gindabour and surrounding communities.
- Humanitarian support and protection for all persons who may have been displaced or otherwise affected by the incident.
The Council further called for a truce between the community and security agencies and urged the Ministry of the Interior, the IGP, the Savannah Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the District Security Council (DISEC) to work together to de-escalate tension and promote peace.
All three groups agreed that Gindabour needs peace, not retaliation, and that justice for one must not mean injustice to another.
source: yagbonradioonline
