Gbintiri Police Shooting: Pillion Rider Killed in Alleged GH¢10 Bribe Incident at Checkpoint

Published: November 6, 2025 | North East Region, Ghana

Introduction

In a shocking incident at the Gbintiri checkpoint in Ghana’s North East Region, a 51-year-old pillion rider was fatally shot by police on November 5, 2025. The event, centered around an alleged demand for a GH¢10 bribe, has sparked outrage among locals and raised serious questions about police conduct at checkpoints. This Gbintiri police shooting highlights ongoing concerns with police extortion at Ghanaian checkpoints and the use of lethal force. Eyewitnesses claim the shooting stemmed from a dispute over the bribe, while police describe it as an accidental discharge during a struggle. This article provides a balanced, factual breakdown to help readers understand the pillion rider shooting in Gbintiri, its implications, and preventive measures for safe travel.

Analysis

The Gbintiri incident unfolded when two civilians on a motorcycle, traveling from Gaboni in the Northern Region to the Gbintiri market, were stopped at a routine checkpoint in the East Mamprusi Municipality. What began as a standard stop reportedly escalated into a fatal confrontation, exposing tensions between law enforcement and civilians over alleged bribery.

Civilian and Local Accounts

According to reports from Graphic Online and local assembly member Manla Gbenja, the policeman demanded GH¢10 to allow passage. The riders offered only GH¢5, leading to an argument. The officer then allegedly fired, striking Mawutor Banakar, the 51-year-old pillion rider, in the upper arm. Gbenja, the Assembly member for Gbintiri Electoral Area, confirmed: “The law enforcement officials demanded GH¢10 from the victims, but they insisted they would provide only GH¢5, which infuriated the officials, resulting in the confrontations and the shooting incident.” Residents have since protested, demanding justice and condemning police brutality in Ghana.

Official Police Version

Contrasting sharply, North East Regional Police Public Affairs Officer DSP Robert Anabiik Anmain provided a different narrative. He stated that during a routine search at the checkpoint, the pillion rider became aggressive, attempting to seize the officer’s weapon. A struggle followed, during which the gun discharged accidentally, wounding Banakar in the upper arm. The officer sustained bruises and a torn uniform. Banakar was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The involved officer is in custody assisting investigations, underscoring the police’s commitment to internal probes in such Ghana checkpoint shooting cases.

This discrepancy between accounts underscores the need for independent investigations into police shootings in Ghana, particularly those involving alleged GH¢10 bribe demands at checkpoints.

Summary

On November 5, 2025, at the Gbintiri checkpoint in East Mamprusi Municipality, North East Region, Ghana, policeman shot and killed 51-year-old pillion rider Mawutor Banakar. Civilians allege it occurred after refusing a GH¢10 bribe, while police claim an accidental discharge during a weapon struggle. The incident has fueled local tensions, with the officer detained pending investigation. This Gbintiri pillion rider shooting exemplifies broader issues of trust erosion at Ghanaian roadblocks.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For motorists and pillion riders navigating Ghanaian checkpoints, especially in regions like North East, proactive steps can minimize risks of police bribe demands in Ghana. Here’s pedagogical guidance based on standard road safety protocols.

Safe Checkpoint Navigation

Always carry valid documents: driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance, and helmet for riders. Politely comply with searches but assert rights if demands seem extortionate. Record interactions discreetly if safe, noting badge numbers and vehicle plates.

De-escalation Techniques

Remain calm during disputes. Say, “Officer, I have all documents; please check.” Avoid physical contact. If bribe is demanded, request a receipt or escalate to a supervisor. Report incidents to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) via hotline 0302-219608.

Road Travel Preparation

Use well-lit, official checkpoints. Travel in groups during peak hours. Install dash cams on motorcycles for evidence in pillion rider incidents Ghana.

Points of Caution

Motorcycle travel in Ghana carries inherent risks, amplified at checkpoints. Pillion riders are vulnerable, as seen in the Gbintiri case. Key warnings include:

• Avoid night travel on remote roads like those to Gbintiri market.
• Never resist physically; it can lead to unintended discharges, as per police accounts.
• Beware of unofficial stops—verify police identity.
• High tension post-incidents may heighten scrutiny at North East Region checkpoints.

Statistics from Ghana Police Service show checkpoints prevent crimes but also correlate with bribery complaints, urging caution.

Comparison

The Gbintiri police shooting shares similarities with other Ghanaian checkpoint incidents but stands out due to the low-stakes GH¢10 dispute.

Vs. Similar Cases

In 2023, a Kumasi checkpoint shooting involved a driver refusing a bribe, resulting in injury but no death—police claimed self-defense. Unlike Gbintiri, no assembly member corroborated civilian claims there. Nationally, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) reports over 500 annual checkpoint complaints, with police motorcycle shootings Ghana rare but impactful. Gbintiri’s accidental discharge claim mirrors a 2024 Tamale case, where a struggle led to a warning shot. However, the fatality here amplifies calls for body cams, absent in most Ghana Police units.

Legal Implications

Under Ghanaian law, this incident invokes several statutes, applicable given the bribery and use-of-force elements.

Bribery and Corruption

Section 236 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) criminalizes public officer corruption, including demanding unauthorized payments like the alleged GH¢10. Conviction carries up to 10 years imprisonment. If proven, the officer faces dismissal per Police Service Act, 2020 (Act 1050).

Use of Lethal Force

Police Standing Orders mandate firearms use only as last resort for imminent threats. Accidental discharges during struggles are scrutinized under Section 72 (causing harm) or manslaughter if negligence is found. The ongoing investigation, with the officer in custody, aligns with PPSB protocols for Ghana police shooting investigations. Families can seek compensation via Article 33 of the 1992 Constitution for rights violations.

Verifiable via Ghana Police Service guidelines; no speculation on outcomes.

Conclusion

The Gbintiri police shooting of pillion rider Mawutor Banakar over an alleged GH¢10 bribe exposes deep-seated issues at Ghanaian checkpoints, from extortion claims to firearm safety. Balancing civilian outrage with police accountability is crucial for rebuilding trust. As investigations proceed, this incident serves as a stark reminder for safer road practices and policy reforms like mandatory body cameras. Staying informed empowers travelers to navigate risks, preventing future tragedies in regions like North East Ghana.

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