The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has clarified the decision to withdraw the Police Special Operations Taskforce, popularly known as the “Black Maria,” from Tamale in the Northern Region.
The move had sparked youth-led protests in the metropolis, with demonstrators calling for the task force to resume operations aimed at tackling the illicit drug trade in the area.
Addressing members of the Special Operations Taskforce in Accra on March 9, the IGP explained that the unit was designed for temporary assignments and not for permanent deployment in any specific location.
According to him, the team had successfully carried out its mandate in Tamale, which informed the decision to redeploy the unit to other areas requiring similar interventions.
Mr Yohuno said the taskforce typically moves from one location to another after completing its operations, leaving local police units to continue maintaining law and order.
He urged the public to understand the operational structure of the unit and support ongoing efforts by the police to combat crime and maintain security across the country.