Black Maria Left Indelible Mark Despite Excesses – Chief of Nyankpala
Credit: Iddrisu Kumbundoo
The Paramount Chief of the Nyankpala Traditional Area, has acknowledged the impact of the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, popularly known as Black Maria, stating that despite some excesses, the operation left a lasting positive mark in the Northern Region.
Representing the King of Dagbon at the launch of the Communication Students Association of Ghana (COMSAG) Week at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala Campus, Naa Ibrahim Mahama, emphasized the need to learn from past security operations.
He cautioned the current team, referred to as “Red Maria,” to take lessons from the shortcomings of their predecessors, stressing that “the essence of history is to guide the future.”
“You may recall the presence of the IGP Special Operations Team, largely known as Black Maria, in the Northern Region a month ago and the positive indelible mark they left behind despite the excesses that were committed during their operations,” he stated.
Speaking on the theme “The Role of Effective Communication in Preventing Illicit Drug Abuse and Political Violence among the Youth,” Naa Mahama Ibrahim expressed concern over the rising cases of illicit drug abuse among young people, particularly in second-cycle institutions across the region.
He noted that substances harmful to both the body and mind are becoming increasingly accessible, leading many promising youths into addiction and loss of direction.
The chief also raised alarm over the persistence of political violence, especially during election periods, where some young people are manipulated by politicians to engage in acts that result in destruction, injuries, and loss of life.
“These are not issues we can underestimate; they are serious threats to our future, and it is high time we say no to political violence as a means of winning power,” he stressed.
Naa Mahama Ibrahim identified curiosity, peer pressure, lack of guidance, and exposure to misinformation as key drivers of illicit drug abuse among the youth. He added that political violence is often fueled by misinformation, anger, frustration, lack of education, and manipulation by self-serving individuals.
He called for the use of effective communication strategies to educate, inform, and positively influence young people, urging students, media practitioners, and stakeholders to play active roles in addressing the twin challenges.
The event brought together lecturers, students, media practitioners, and traditional leaders as part of activities marking the COMSAG Week celebration at UDS.
