Northern Region:19 arrested for looting government institutions
By DL News
Published
Updated
1 min read
Authorities apprehended suspects at various locations in Tamale, the regional capital, where they were reportedly involved in acts of theft and vandalism.
The number of people arrested for looting government institutions in the Northern Region has climbed to 19.
Authorities apprehended suspects at various locations in Tamale, the regional capital, where they were reportedly involved in acts of theft and vandalism.
The unrest followed the concession speech of the Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, which sparked celebrations among National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters. While many took to the streets of Tamale in jubilation, some groups resorted to vandalizing and stealing from public facilities.
Government institutions targeted in the looting spree included the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly warehouse, the Department of Agriculture, the residence of the Municipal Chief Executive for Sagnarigu, and the Veterinary Services offices.
At the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, looters seized a newly purchased tipper truck, a pickup truck, a water tanker, streetlight poles, refrigerators, and air conditioners. Additionally, thousands of bags of rice and maize were carted off. The chaos extended to the Veterinary Services Department, where thieves made off with animal vaccination drugs and office furniture.
The Department of Agriculture also reported significant losses. Looters stole hundreds of bags of rice, maize, and agrochemicals, using trucks and tricycles to haul the stolen items. The aftermath left the premises strewn with debris.
Hawa Musah, the Director of Agriculture, expressed her distress during an interview with Myjoyonline.com. She explained that the stolen food supplies were intended for women farmers who had suffered losses during a severe dry season earlier in the year.
“We had received 2,000 bags of rice and 1,000 bags of maize to support smallholder women farmers who lost everything during the dry season. These were stored for distribution, but now they’re gone,” she lamented.
She also highlighted the theft of post-harvest chemicals, motorbike parts, and helmets stored at the warehouse.
Police and military personnel were deployed to restore order, but Hawa Musah called for their continued presence to prevent further incidents.
