Immigration Comptroller-General leads peace talks in Hamile after tragic border clash

The usually lively border town of Hamile is poised for a potential respite as the Comptroller-General of Ghana's Immigration Service, Samuel Basintale, steers high-level peace negotiations after a devastating explosion and ensuing clashes devastated the town's economy. The intervention by the Comptroller-General came in the aftermath of a tragic incident on November 3 on an unauthorized path dubbed "Mountain Back 2".

The explosion claimed the life of an immigration officer, triggered a dynamite blast, and injured 11 civilians during a clash with law enforcement. The mission, designed to mend strained ties between the community and security forces, commenced with an inspection of the guard drill at the Ministries Block B forecourt. Subsequently, the Comptroller-General convened with officials from the Upper West Regional Security Council to gather a thorough assessment of the tense scenario before heading to Hamile.

Representing the council's chairman, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, provided a briefing. A security official noted that nine of the injured have been discharged and will undergo review at different times, with the curfew still in effect. Despite the ongoing curfew, the reopening of the border is underway, though businesses remain closed.

The Comptroller-General cautioned that suspending the border for even six hours could trigger significant traffic congestion, given the influx of vehicles from Mali. Upon reaching the border post, Comptroller-General Basintale was greeted by the Hamile Centre Commander, Chief Superintendent Mohammed Abdul Mananu, who recounted the harrowing events of November 3.

The crisis ignited when two officers attempted to halt a tricycle suspected to be carrying dynamite on the Mountain Back 2 route. The ensuing explosion destroyed trees, claimed an officer's life, and left another gravely injured. The ensuing chaos led to a siege of the immigration office by an angry mob, who hurled stones and set tires ablaze.

Military and police reinforcements exacerbated the situation, leading to gunfire and injuries to 11 residents. The Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, assured the delegation that the security situation had since stabilized, revealing that the community had cooperated and that the revised curfew, from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., had been observed without resistance.

Assembly Member for the Happa Electoral Area, Happa Divisional Chief Hiller Dyaka Thomas Badukun III, welcomed the delegation and described the town's current predicament, emphasizing that the curfew had crippled local businesses and halted cross-border trade.