The Member of Parliament for Wa West, Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, has raised concerns over the growing perception of insecurity in the district, attributing it largely to the overgeneralisation of isolated criminal acts.
Speaking to the media at the Upper West Regional Police Headquarters on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Hon. Toobu emphasized that crimes committed by individuals are often unfairly projected onto entire communities, creating unnecessary fear and deepening social divisions.
The MP held extensive closed-door discussions with the Upper West Regional Police Commander and his team, receiving first-hand briefings on the measures being implemented to maintain peace and strengthen security across the district.
While acknowledging that criminal activity exists, Hon. Toobu clarified that Wa West’s crime rate is not unusually high compared to other parts of Ghana. He added that available security briefings do not support claims that the district is exceptionally dangerous.
However, he highlighted rising ethnic tensions as a major concern for law enforcement authorities, noting that such divisions could escalate if not addressed proactively.
The discussions with the police underscored the importance of preventing misunderstandings and reprisals rooted in identity-based narratives.
To mitigate these risks, the MP pledged to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, community elders, and opinion leaders to promote dialogue, defuse tensions, and reinforce peaceful coexistence.
He reiterated that criminal responsibility is individual, stating, “Crime is individualistic.” Hon. Toobu warned that blaming entire ethnic groups or families for the actions of one person not only distorts justice but also fuels hostility.
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