Violence erupted in the Ghana-Burkina Faso border town of Hamile in the Upper West Region after allegations surfaced that a Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officer collaborated with Burkinabe security operatives. However, the actual trigger for the protests was the alleged wrongful arrest of Ajara, a Burkinabe national residing in Ivory Coast, by GIS officers.
The unrest began late Saturday night and continued into Sunday morning, with protesters burning car tires, vandalizing the GIS office, and setting a service vehicle ablaze. According to eyewitnesses, Ajara was bundled into a vehicle by GIS officers while traveling to Nandom to visit a relative.
During the protests, a woman collapsed and died after hurling insults at security personnel. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The deceased has not been identified.
Details of the Incident:
– Protesters’ Claims: The youth accused GIS officers of misconduct, alleging that an officer aided gunmen from Burkina Faso to enter Ghana through the Hamile border.
– Security Measures: Security has been heightened in the area as tensions remain high.
– Arrest and Protests: The protests were sparked by the alleged arrest of Ajara, with witnesses claiming she was wrongfully detained by GIS officers.
The situation in Hamile remains volatile, with authorities working to restore calm and investigate the circumstances surrounding the protests and the woman’s death.