The Upper West Police Command has launched an inquiry into a tragic incident involving immigration officials alleged to have assaulted and killed a 38-year-old resident of Piree-Kaangu, Patrick Banoebuuri, on Friday, March 7, 2025. In a response to the outcry from the community, the police have invited the immigration officers stationed in Naro at the time of the incident to provide statements at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
Sources speaking to Info Radio indicate that while the officers were questioned, it remains unclear whether they have been formally charged by the Wa police. In a parallel investigation, two residents of Piree-Kaangu have been arrested, and further individuals from Naro are also being interrogated.
The incident has sparked outrage among local opinion leaders and community members. Eric Dakurah, a well-known leader in the Nadowli-Kaleo district, has publicly called for the immediate indictment of the immigration officers involved. "It is imperative that the Wa police take swift action against those responsible for this heinous act," Dakurah stated. "They should have prioritized detaining the immigration officers before arresting residents from Piree-Kaangu."
Dakurah has urged the Ghana Immigration Service to provide an official apology to Mr. Banoebuuri's family and to take responsibility for the actions of its officers. In addition, he called for the closure of the Naro immigration checkpoint, citing it as a notorious site for extortion of motorists by officers.
Community sentiment is running high, with some residents expressing that continued inaction could lead to violence against the immigration officers. "If the checkpoint isn't closed, we may have no choice but to confront those officers ourselves," a local resident told Info Radio.
The events leading up to Mr. Banoebuuri’s death remain under investigation. According to reports, he was accused of attempting to sell 18 sheep that did not belong to him. The sheep were allegedly being presented to a Fulani buyer when suspicions regarding their ownership arose. After community members confirmed that the sheep belonged to another resident, Banoebuuri confessed to the alleged theft and agreed to return the animals.
Tensions escalated further after he was escorted back to Piree-Kaangu, as local residents debated punishment. Some called for public lashing while others suggested handing him over to immigration officials for "discipline." This fateful decision ultimately led to Mr. Banoebuuri's tragic demise in custody.
On March 10, Info Radio made multiple attempts to contact the police CID handling the case for an update, but no information was forthcoming as the officer pledged to return the call.
As the community grapples with this painful event, calls for justice and accountability continue to resonate, highlighting existing issues within law enforcement and local governance in the region. The outcome of the investigations remains to be seen as residents anxiously await action from the authorities.
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