Konkomba Youth Association Petitions Government Over Police Shooting of Motorist Near Gbintri
In Ghana’s North East Region, tensions rise following a tragic police shooting at a checkpoint near Gbintri. The Konkomba Youth Association (KOYA) has formally petitioned authorities, sparking debates on police accountability, checkpoint practices, and road safety. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about law enforcement interactions on major highways.
Introduction
The fatal shooting of 51-year-old motorist Mawutor Banakar at a police checkpoint in Gaboani, along the Gushegu-Gbintri freeway in East Mamprusi Municipality, has prompted swift action from the Konkomba Youth Association. On November 10, 2025, KOYA submitted a petition to the North East Regional Coordinating Council, demanding a thorough investigation into the November 5, 2025, incident. This event underscores critical issues in Ghana’s North East Region, including police checkpoint operations, alleged extortion, and ethnic community responses.
Background on the Konkomba Youth Association
KOYA represents the youth of the Konkomba ethnic group, one of Ghana’s major northern ethnicities primarily residing in the Northern, North East, and Savannah Regions. The association advocates for community rights, justice, and development, often engaging with regional authorities on matters affecting Konkomba people.
Analysis
Discrepancies between eyewitness accounts and the official police statement form the core of this controversy. Eyewitnesses, including the victim’s brother, claim Mawutor Banakar was shot during a dispute over bribe amounts at the checkpoint around 11 a.m. on November 5, 2025. In contrast, the North East Regional Police Command asserts that the motorist resisted a search, seized the officer’s weapon, leading to an accidental discharge during a struggle.
Eyewitness Perspectives vs. Police Narrative
According to reports from sources like ExcitementNews, the armed officer allegedly fired after the argument escalated. Post-shooting, the officer and a colleague rushed Banakar to Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu, where he was pronounced dead on arrival due to injuries. The Regional Public Relations Officer, DSP Robert Anabiik Anmain, detailed that the weapon discharged, injuring Banakar’s upper arm, while the officer sustained bruises and uniform damage.
Broader Context of Police Checkpoints in Ghana
Police checkpoints are standard on Ghanaian highways, including the Eastern Corridor Road from Gushegu to Nakpanduri and Gbintri to Nalerigu, Chereponi, and Yunyoo. These serve security and traffic enforcement but have faced criticism for potential extortion, as highlighted in KOYA’s petition. Such incidents reflect national discussions on police reform and accountability in regions like North East Ghana.
Summary
On November 5, 2025, Mawutor Banakar, a 51-year-old pillion rider, died from gunshot wounds at a Gaboani checkpoint near Gbintri. KOYA petitioned the regional authorities on November 10, 2025, led by Regional President Charles Ningarim, calling for justice, an end to checkpoint extortion, and improved security. The petition urges unity among stakeholders while advising youth to remain calm.
Key Points
- Incident Date and Location: November 5, 2025, 11 a.m., Gaboani checkpoint, Gushegu-Gbintri freeway, East Mamprusi Municipality.
- Victim Details: Mawutor Banakar, 51 years old, shot in the upper arm, deceased at Baptist Medical Centre, Nalerigu.
- <strong KOYA Petition Demands: Independent Commission of Enquiry, halt to checkpoint extortion, enhanced night security on Eastern Corridor roads.
- Police Response: Accidental discharge during resistance and struggle; officer injured.
- Submission: Presented in Nalerigu to Regional Minister and Ghana Police Service.
Practical Advice
For motorists and communities in Ghana’s North East Region navigating police checkpoints, adherence to protocols can prevent escalations. Always carry valid documents like driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and insurance. Politely comply with searches and requests, documenting interactions via phone recordings if safe and legal.
Road Safety Tips on Eastern Corridor Highways
Travel during daylight on routes like Gushegu to Gbintri, ensure vehicles are roadworthy, and report suspicious activities to authorities. Communities should engage constructively with police through associations like KOYA to advocate for transparent practices.
How to File Effective Petitions
Follow KOYA’s example: Clearly state facts, specify demands, submit to relevant bodies like regional councils, and rally stakeholder support. Use formal language and verifiable evidence to strengthen calls for investigations.
Points of Caution
KOYA explicitly urged Konkomba youth to stay calm, avoid confrontations with security forces, and refrain from vigilante actions. Escalations could worsen community-police relations and lead to further incidents. Motorists should note that resisting searches or grabbing weapons, as alleged by police, poses severe risks.
Community Guidance
In ethnic tensions common in northern Ghana, unity and legal channels are vital. KOYA’s appeal emphasizes peaceful pursuit of justice to protect all residents along high-risk roads like those near Gbintri.
Comparison
Eyewitness Account vs. Police Statement:
| Aspect | Eyewitnesses | Police (DSP Robert Anabiik Anmain) |
|---|---|---|
| Cause of Shooting | Heated argument over bribe price | Resistance to search, grabbing weapon during struggle |
| Post-Shooting Action | Officer seized body, rushed to hospital | Weapon discharged accidentally; both parties injured |
| Outcome | Pronounced dead on arrival | Confirmed shooting, disputed intent |
This table illustrates key divergences, fueling KOYA’s demand for an impartial probe into the Gbintri police shooting.
Legal Implications
In Ghana, police use of firearms is governed by the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350) and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), requiring proportional force and justification for lethal actions. Accidental discharges during struggles must be investigated under protocols from the Police Professional Standards Unit. KOYA’s call for a Commission of Enquiry aligns with Article 23 of the 1992 Constitution, mandating fair administrative actions. If extortion is proven, it violates anti-corruption laws like the Criminal Offences (Bribes) Amendment Act. Families may pursue civil claims for wrongful death, pending autopsy and inquiry results.
Ghanaian Rights at Checkpoints
Citizens have rights against unlawful searches (Article 11, Constitution) but must obey lawful orders. Independent inquiries ensure accountability, as seen in past Ghana Police Service cases.
Conclusion
The Konkomba Youth Association’s petition over the Mawutor Banakar police shooting near Gbintri represents a pivotal moment for justice in Ghana’s North East Region. By demanding an independent investigation, cessation of checkpoint extortion, and better security, KOYA addresses systemic issues on vital roads. Stakeholders must collaborate for transparency, upholding rule of law while fostering community-police trust. This incident serves as a reminder of the human cost of unresolved tensions, urging prompt action from authorities.
FAQ
What happened in the Gbintri police shooting incident?
On November 5, 2025, Mawutor Banakar was fatally shot at a Gaboani checkpoint near Gbintri during an altercation with police.
Who is the Konkomba Youth Association?
KOYA is a youth advocacy group for the Konkomba ethnic community in northern Ghana, led regionally by figures like Charles Ningarim.
What does KOYA demand in their petition?
An independent Commission of Enquiry, end to checkpoint extortion, and increased security on Eastern Corridor roads.
Is checkpoint extortion common in Ghana?
Reports indicate frequent complaints on major highways, prompting calls for reform from groups like KOYA.
What should motorists do at Ghanaian police checkpoints?
Comply politely, carry documents, and report misconduct through official channels.
Sources
- Life Pulse Daily: Original report on KOYA petition, published November 10, 2025.
- ExcitementNews: Eyewitness accounts of the November 5, 2025, shooting.
- North East Regional Police Command Statement: DSP Robert Anabiik Anmain’s remarks.
- Ghana Police Service protocols and Constitution of Ghana, 1992 (Articles 11, 23).
- Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350).
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