By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for GhanaianNewsCanada
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested 12 individuals suspected of dealing in and using illicit drugs during a targeted anti-drug operation in Tamale.
The operation, carried out on March 14, 2026, was conducted by the Regional Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) Special Operations Team across several parts of the city as part of intensified efforts to combat drug-related activities.
According to Superintendent John Danso, who led the operation, the suspects were apprehended with various quantities of illicit substances, including tramadol and dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
The suspects have been identified as:
Musah Ibrahim, 17
Agundo Yaw, 19
Abubakari Handan, 33
Seidu Fuseini, 25
Iddi Muaz, 19
Abubakari Sumaila, 19
Abdul Hakim Taibu, 28
Mohammed Ibrahim Abdul Malik, 45
Abdul Razak, 20
Mohammed Awal, 20
Mohammed Imoro, 19
Hamid Abudu, 22
Police say all suspects are currently in custody and assisting with investigations as authorities prepare possible legal action.
Newborn Baby Rescued
In a separate but equally disturbing incident, police officers also rescued a newborn baby boy who had been abandoned in a gutter near the Police Barracks area in Tamale on March 15, 2026.
Authorities said the infant was quickly rushed to the Tamale Central Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention and care.
The condition of the baby has not been fully disclosed, but officials say medical staff are monitoring him closely.
Police Reassure the Public
The Northern Regional Police Command has assured residents that security agencies remain committed to tackling drug-related crimes and protecting vulnerable members of society.
In a statement, the police reiterated their determination to intensify operations aimed at reducing drug abuse and criminal activities in the region.
Commentary: Two Alarming Social Signals
The incidents reveal two pressing social challenges facing many communities today, drug abuse among the youth and the tragic reality of abandoned children.
Drug abuse, particularly substances like tramadol, has become a growing concern across several regions in Ghana, often linked to unemployment, peer pressure, and organised trafficking networks.
Equally troubling is the abandonment of newborn babies, a heartbreaking phenomenon that raises questions about poverty, stigma, lack of support for vulnerable mothers, and gaps in social protection systems.
While the swift response by police saved the life of the newborn and disrupted suspected drug activity, these events also highlight the need for stronger community support systems, social interventions, and public education.
For many observers, the rescue of the infant is a powerful reminder that even in moments of tragedy, timely intervention can preserve life and offer hope for a better future.
