Wa West MP demands transparent inquiry into custody death as communal tensions simmer

The Member of Parliament for Wa West has demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of a suspect who died whilst in police custody, amid escalating tensions tied to a prolonged communal conflict that has claimed multiple lives in the Upper West Region.

Peter Lanchene Toobu made the appeal during a press briefing in Wa on Thursday, describing the death of Abu Tijani—a suspect arrested in connection with the Lassia Tuolu-Kendeu dispute—as a matter requiring careful handling to preserve public confidence in law enforcement and the justice system.

The Incident and Background

Abu Tijani was arrested on 25 July 2026 after evading capture for weeks. According to the Upper West Regional Police Command, he had been on the wanted list following his alleged involvement in the murders of two young men from Bakpateng near Lassia Tuolu, who were killed in Kendeu on 23 November 2025.

Police stated that during his apprehension, Tijani resisted arrest and injured two officers before being subdued. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to involvement in the killings and claimed the two victims were initially buried in Wechau before being exhumed and reburied across the Black Volta River in Burkina Faso to conceal the crime.

Whilst being escorted to identify an alleged accomplice along Nakore Road, Tijani complained of a severe headache. He was transferred to the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital in Wa at approximately 1:00 p.m., where he was pronounced dead at 4:37 p.m. despite receiving medical treatment.

Why It Matters for Ghana

The incident raises critical questions about custody protocols and accountability within Ghana's police service. Deaths in custody remain highly sensitive matters that can rapidly escalate communal tensions and erode public trust in state institutions—concerns the MP explicitly highlighted.

The Lassia Tuolu-Kendeu conflict itself has proven deeply destabilising: the violence erupted on 15 June 2024 and has killed at least three people, injured several others, destroyed property, and shattered years of peaceful coexistence between the communities. The subsequent murder of two youth in November 2025 reignited hostilities just as mediation efforts led by the Upper West Regional Minister were making progress.

This case underscores broader governance challenges in Ghana's northern regions: Toobu emphasised that poverty, unemployment, disease, illiteracy and deprivation are feeding cycles of violence. An impartial probe into Tijani's death is essential not only for justice but to prevent further deterioration of stability in Wa West.

Calls for Restraint and Dialogue

The MP urged residents to refrain from spreading unverified claims and inflammatory rhetoric on social media, warning that rumours could reignite violence. He commended security personnel for their work whilst calling on both factions to return to mediation under the Upper West Regional Security Council.

Toobu also appealed to the Attorney-General's Office and Ministry of Justice to ensure fair and expeditious prosecution of all cases stemming from the conflict, emphasising that individuals—not entire communities—must be held accountable for crimes.

He called on traditional authorities, religious leaders, women's groups, youth organisations and civil society to serve as peace ambassadors and work toward restoring trust amongst the affected communities.

The MP's measured response attempts to balance accountability with peacebuilding—a delicate task as Ghana continues grappling with maintaining security whilst upholding citizen confidence in its institutions.