Police checkpoints on Tamale-Walewale and Bolgatanga highways deserted after 1 officer was killed

In a move that has sparked considerable anxiety, the Ghana Police Service has reportedly pulled its personnel from checkpoints and barriers along the crucial Tamale-Walewale and Bolgatanga highways.

This decision follows a brutal attack on a police checkpoint in Karimenga on December 28, 2025, where one officer was killed and two others seriously wounded.

Sources within the police force have confirmed that the order to withdraw came from central command, raising questions about the immediate security implications for these vital transport arteries.

The Tamale-Walewale and Bolga highways are lifelines for trade and transportation in the north, serving as key routes to neighboring countries like Togo and Burkina Faso. The highways facilitate the movement of goods and people, underpinning significant economic activity in the region.

The sudden absence of police presence has raised concerns among business owners, transport operators, and local communities. “This is a disaster waiting to happen,” said a local business owner who wished to remain anonymous. “These highways are already vulnerable to criminal activity, and removing the police is like inviting trouble.”

With police checkpoints unmanned, who will check criminal elements, including armed robbers and smugglers, from exploiting these routes? How will this affect the flow of goods and services, particularly for businesses that rely on these highways for trade with neighboring countries?

Will insurance rates increase, and will transport companies reroute, leading to increased costs and delays? Will the absence of police presence embolden criminals and create a sense of lawlessness, impacting the safety and security of ordinary citizens who travel these roads?

The Police Service has yet to officially address these concerns, leaving many to speculate about the long-term implications of this decision. While the safety of police officers is paramount, the potential consequences of leaving these highways unprotected could be severe, impacting both the economy and the security of the region.

It remains to be seen what measures the government will take to address this emerging crisis and reassure the public that their safety and economic wellbeing are being prioritized. The situation is developing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.

Source:Fiilafmonline/3News