The Overlord of the Waala Traditional Council, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, has made an urgent appeal to Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia for immediate assistance in addressing the alarming trend of serial killings targeting watchmen in Wa.
Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, made the call during a visit by the presidential candidate of the NPP to his palace.
These disturbing incidents mark a recurrence of the tragic events of 2022, raising deep concerns about the safety and security of the local community.
“Your Excellency, the disturbing trend of serial killings of watchmen in Wa is deeply troubling. We are profoundly concerned about the safety and security of our people, particularly the vulnerable watchmen who work tirelessly to protect our communities,” he stated.
Addressing the vice-president, who also serves as the chairman of the Ghana Police Council, he said, “As chairman of the Ghana Police Council, Your Excellency, we implore you to use your office to enhance the capacity of the Wa and Upper West Police Command. We urgently need additional men and logistics, such as patrol vehicles, to effectively address the current security challenges we face.”
Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV further emphasised the critical need for increased police presence and resources to restore security and normalcy in the region.
“We believe that with your support, we can strengthen the police presence in Wa and the Upper West Region and ensure the safety and well-being of our people,” he stated emphatically.
In addition to his call for governmental assistance, Wa Naa outlined the proactive measures being taken by the traditional authorities to support security efforts.
He announced plans to launch a general appeal to mobilise resources from individuals and groups within the community.
“As part of measures that we, as traditional authorities, are taking to complement the efforts of the Regional Security Council and the Municipal Security Council under the circumstances, I intend to launch a General Appeal in the coming days for individuals and groups to contribute their quota, either in cash or in-kind, to enable and support and energise the operations of a Neighbourhood Watch Committee that I commissioned to assist the security services towards apprehending the perpetrators of this heinous crime against us,” Naa Fusini Pelpuo explained.
He expressed confidence that the vice-president would support this initiative while urging Bawumia to recognise the gravity of the situation and the necessity for immediate action.
“And I am confident that Your Excellency would not mind lending us a hand in that regard.”
Background of the serial killings
The recent wave of serial killings in Wa has sent shockwaves through the community, reviving traumatic memories of similar incidents that plagued the area in 2022.
The targeted victims are primarily watchmen, individuals employed to safeguard various properties throughout the night. These watchmen have become the focus of a series of brutal attacks, leaving the community in a state of heightened fear and anxiety.
In 2022, a similar pattern of killings had gripped Wa, resulting in a significant loss of life and creating widespread panic. The local authorities, with limited resources, struggled to apprehend the perpetrators and restore a sense of security.
Despite concerted efforts and community cooperation, the crimes remain unresolved, and the recurrence of such incidents has exacerbated the community’s distress.
The modus operandi of the attackers involves striking during the late hours when the watchmen are most vulnerable.
The victims are often found brutally murdered, with little evidence left behind, making the investigations challenging for the police. The fear of these night-time attacks has not only demoralised the watchmen but has also instilled a sense of dread among the general populace, who feel increasingly unsafe in their own community.
In response to these events, the traditional authorities, led by Wa Naa, have been proactive in seeking solutions and support.
The establishment of a Neighbourhood Watch Committee is one such initiative aimed at bolstering local security efforts.
However, the effectiveness of the committee is hampered by a lack of resources and logistical support, necessitating external assistance from the government and other stakeholders.
Wa Naa’s appeal to Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia underscores the urgent need for a collaborative approach to tackle the security crisis.
There is hope that the perpetrators can be apprehended, and peace can be restored to Wa by enhancing the capacity of the police force and mobilising community resources.
Reporting by Alhassan Tajudeen from the Upper West Region
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