The Bono Regional Police Command, in a proactive move to de-escalate recent tensions, engaged directly with Muslim communities in Sampa on Friday, October 17, 2025.

The high-level outreach effort, conducted at various mosques, was aimed at fostering trust, promoting peace, and ensuring the stability required for normal community and economic life to resume, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, Public Relations Officer, Bono Regional Police Command, stated in a release.

The delegation, led by the Deputy Regional Commander, ACP Mr. Andrews George Kumah, and supported by operational police personnel, used the occasion of the weekly Jummah prayers to deliver a message of cooperation and order to the worshippers.

ACP Kumah emphasised that the preservation of peace is paramount for Sampa's functioning, especially for commercial and educational activities.

The command's intervention is focused on assuring residents of their safety and the unimpeded operation of local institutions.

The command urged the public to maintain peace and order in Sampa, ensuring schools, banks, businesses, and marketplaces are safe and everyone can freely go about their daily activities without fear.

The Deputy Regional Commander stressed the importance of viewing law enforcement not as adversaries but as partners in ensuring public safety.

He advised the people not to view police officers as enemies but rather as friends and peacemakers and encouraged them to approach the Police with credible information.

Addressing a major concern in areas experiencing recent conflicts, ACP Kumah delivered a categorical warning to the youth about illegal arms possession and violence.

Additionally, he cautioned the Muslim youth that anyone found with a weapon would be arrested.

This strict directive signals the Police Command's zero-tolerance policy towards any activity that threatens the peace and order in the town. Furthermore, the Deputy Commander urged those present at the prayers to ensure the message of peace and caution reached a wider audience.

He advised them to propagate the message to their followers, who couldn’t make it to the Jummah prayers.

The outreach was met with positive reception from the religious leaders.

The Imams expressed their appreciation for the Police Command’s initiative to engage them directly, acknowledging the sincerity of the peace mission.

To solidify the progress made and ensure lasting stability, the Imams presented a formal request to the delegation.

They expressed gratitude to the police for the engagement and requested periodic visits until peace and order are maintained in Sampa.

This request for periodic visits indicates the community's desire for sustained police presence and continuous dialogue to rebuild public confidence and maintain calm following the recent unrest.