Indiscipline: a major challenge in tamale

Tamale, which is the Northern regional capital is one of the big cities with a population size of approximately 400,000 people which encapsulates Sagnarigu District Assembly (Source: 2010 Population and Housing Census). By its position in the northern sector, it attracts inhabitants from the three northern regions and some settlers from the other parts of the country. The attraction of the area is not borne out of the blue but its hospitality, investment opportunities and its relatively peaceful nature.
Over the years, the area has witnessed a lot of indiscipline activities that threaten the investment inflow to this area. One may be tempted to ask the question that are the laws governing the country different from that of Tamale ?
Statistics available on the number of assault cases reported from 2011 to 2015 at the Regional and District Criminal Investigation Department, Tamale, indicates the following:
Regional Cases:
Cases 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015(January-April)
Assault 608 714 764 528 87
Source: Regional Crime Investigation Department (RCID), Tamale
Tamale Cases:
Cases 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015(January-April)
Assault 140 108 194 131 36
Source: District Crime Investigation Department (DCID), Tamale
Looking at the data above one would realize that the crime rate is high in the region especially that of Tamale which is among 26 District in the region.
Among these mishaps, on the 20th December,2005 a group of NPP youth ransacked the offices of the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR), Tamale, which resulted in temporary closure of the office for about two months. As if this was not enough, the group also attacked and beat up the Surveyor and Technical Engineer of the department. This in action was executed with no regard to the law (Source: DFR).
On the 6th November, 2013 it was reported in the Dailies that an NDC group who were discontent with some activities in the party and living their own world, attacked the residence of former Metropolitan Chief Executive and towed away a vehicle with registration number GE 9338 Y packed in the garage. In another development, some disgruntled youth of the same party in Tamale Central chased away the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini and assaulted his loyalist (Source: Daily graphic Online).
It is alleged that some top government and party officials are behind the unhealthy behaviours of some groups in the area as a strategy to perpetuate their rule and consolidate their positions.
Public senior officers suffer in the hands of “party boys”. These groups of people usually make some monetary or unrealistic demands and when unsuccessful, they resort to verbal and in some cases physical attacks on the officers. It is observed that some politicians and their cronies exhibit opulence and this could be a catalyst for young men striving to get money at all cost
It is normal politically, to have a group of people as a support base to enhance the fortunes of a political leader. Unfortunately, these factions see themselves as enemies and sometimes attack each other at the least provocation.
The neutrality of traditional authorities is key for an effective traditional governance to ensure the participation of all, irrespective of their political interest. However, some of the chiefs are actively associated with some political parties which threatens the confidence and trust the subjects repose in them. The weakness of the institution breeds indiscipline in the area. In the traditional realm, it is believed that the ancestors are shedding tears in their graves considering the mishaps in the area.
On the religious front, the political syndrome has caught up with some “malams” who are heard and seen openly taking positions in the political divide. This creates suspicion and also undermines the integrity of the leaders. Additionally, some use the religious platform to attack the personalities of others.
Another serious challenge that has bedeviled the youth in the area is internet fraud called “sakawa”.These youngsters spend so much time on internet, especially midnight purporting to be business men and duping unsuspecting business partners. They suddenly, become rich and take to unhealthy lifestyles such as traffic offences, attacks on each other, rain insults on elders who attempt to advise them. In an attempt to control this situation, the group issued threats to the Regional Minister and some mallams.
Parental care is eluding the children of the day, some parents neglect their responsibilities. The child is left to struggle to fend for him or herself and this among others contribute to the indiscipline in the area. These youngsters having left this way become helpless and fall prey to some politicians who use them to cause confusion in the town.
It is sad to note that the courts in the area are not spared of the indiscipline activities. Information gathered from the courts reveal that Bailiffs who serve writs and other court processes as well as executions are sometimes attacked. Additionally, when there are hearings on some cases, the courts premises are usually, unnecessarily packed with people which creates nuisance and to the extreme, in some cases factions attack each other. This frustrates the work of the judiciary and also threatens judicial independence.
Traffic offences are rampant among the people and some show complete disregard to the traffic regulations even in the presence of police personnel. The call for the use of helmet is not heeded by majority of the people including some security officials who are seen riding without helmet.
Interestingly, security personnel (Motto Traffic and Transport Unit) who are detailed at some check points on the roads, turn blind eye to overloaded vehicles and in some case passengers sit on the roof of vehicles. Notably among the overloading cars, are taxis plying Tamale –Savelugu road. It has become a normal practise that front seat meant for one passenger is now occupied by two passengers and this is done in full glare of the security personnel. They should be mindful of the fact that they swore an oath to maintain law and order and should not be seen to condoning crimes
One would wonder the qualification for the establishment of a radio station. Some of the stations in the area do not exhibit ethical and professional standards. They allow inflammatory utterances from aggrieved persons that usually generates tensions in the area which sometimes result in attacks.
It should be a serious worry to right thinking souls in the area because these mishaps have the tendencies to ward off investors and this could go a long way to affect the already precarious economic conditions in the area and the region at large. However, the situation could be addressed if the following few suggestions among others are considered.
• The Religious Leaders should uphold the tenets of their religion and live exemplary life and re-emphasized the good teachings of the Holy Scriptures.
• Parents should wake up from their slumber and consider parental care as a duty and not just given birth
• There should be sustained military/police combat against these mishaps and deal with anybody found culpable.
• There should not be interference whatsoever, by anybody in the discharge of lawful duties
• The police should be assertive and carry out their duties without fear or favour and should not also make the maintenance of law and order a onetime event.
• All stakeholders in the maintenance of peace should be committed to ensuring that the laws are respected
• Unlike the politician who has limited stay in office usually, thread cautiously on issues of indiscipline in the area for fear of losing votes, the traditional authority has lifelong occupancy and should assert its powers in tandem with the security to flash out the indiscipline activities.
• There should be a platform for naming and shaming people in high positions who commit and condone wrong doings and also face the full rigors of the law.


Conclusion.
In spite of the above worrying issues, the area is beginning to take it shape under the able leadership of the Northern Regional Minister and the security agencies. The Minister has exhibited professionalism and administrative competence in dealing with the situation and should be commended. We say “Taali” (Well done) in Dagbanli and urge him to continue with the good work.
Tamale also witnessed the administration of the likes of former Regional Minister Honourable Ernest Debrah who served under Kuffour Administration and Metropolitan Chief Executive Honourable Alhaji A.Y.M.B. Ibrahima who also served under Rawlings Administration. They did not mince their words and carried out their lawful duties without fear or favour in the good spirit of hard work and professionalism. They also deserve commendations.

Written by; Mohammed Saani Iddrisu
Development Practioner
Organization: Northern Accelerated Intervention for Development (NAID) Tamale N/R
Email: [email protected] or
[email protected]