The Ghana Police Service has arrested a man over comments suggesting the introduction of the extremist group Boko Haram into the country amid an ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Bawku.
Police described the remarks as posing a serious threat to public peace and national security.
The suspect, identified as Raphael Azare Kariyama, was arrested through what authorities say was an intelligence-led operation aimed at monitoring and suppressing content capable of inciting violence or undermining public order.
While confirming the arrest in a statement, the spokesman of Ghana Police Service, Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, said the comments were particularly dangerous given the fragile security situation in parts of the Upper East Region.
He said Kariyama allegedly made statements about bringing Boko Haram into Ghana, remarks that could destabilise Bawku and neighbouring communities.
“The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspect for making inciteful comments that have the potential to disrupt peace and security in Bawku and its environs,” the statement said.
“The suspect, Raphael Azare Kariyama, was arrested through an intelligence-led operation to monitor and curb the spread of content that incites violence or threatens public order and national security,” the statement added.
Authorities further disclosed that the suspect remains in custody and will be arraigned before a court.
“The suspect is currently in police custody and will be put before the court to face the full rigours of the law. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other accomplices linked to this matter,” the police said.
The Ghana Police Service also warned the public against irresponsible use of social media, particularly on matters related to security and communal conflicts.
“The Ghana Police Service urges the general public to refrain from making, publishing, or sharing inciteful comments, as such acts undermine peace and security,” Chief Inspector Babanawo warned.
The comments were made against the backdrop of tensions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups in Bawku, who have been embroiled in a long-standing chieftaincy dispute.
The government recognizes Asigri Abugrago Azoka, a Mamprusi, as the legitimate Bawku Naaba, but Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a Kusasi, has been parading himself as the chief, leading to unrest.
