The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has for the first time reacted to allegations of political interference with his decision to withdraw his Special Operations Taskforce from the Tamale metropolis in the Northern Region.

Welcoming the Special Operations Task Force, also known as the Black Maria Unit, at the headquarters of the Ghana Police Service on March 9, 2026, the IGP defended his decision as he clarified the matter.

He explained that the unit is designed for temporary assignments and not intended for permanent deployment in any particular location.

He went on to list his assignment of the team to several communities across the country, where similar criticisms were made after the team’s withdrawal.

“When you are leaving, people don’t want you to leave. It started like Dr Gariba said, we were in the Western Region, where there was a need to contain the situation at Akinta Mines over there. After discharging your duties, you went to Ashanti South - Diaso and all the rest - and over there, it was fabulous.

“When I was withdrawing you, it was a problem. Why did I withdraw you, people from there? But you are not for one place. When you say a special team, it doesn’t become a permanent team. You go somewhere, you perform your duties, leave the rest for the local police to do, and then you move on to another place,” he explained.

Residents in Tamale were up in arms after news broke of the withdrawal of the Black Maria from their community.

Most of the residents who were making allegations of political interference at some point even blocked their roads to prevent the team from leaving.

'Black Maria' withdrawal sparks fear in Tamale

Watch a video of the IGP's remarks below:

The Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has formally welcomed the IGP’s Special Operations Team (Black Maria unit) to the police headquarters, praising their outstanding work in Tamale.

He addressed the concerns raised by some opinion leaders and youth in… pic.twitter.com/5pyGSUId4I

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) March 9, 2026