By Murtala Issah
In a move aimed at curbing juvenile loitering and enhancing security, the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has announced plans to begin arresting children under the age of 18 who are found loitering in the streets during nighttime hours.
The announcement was made by the Northern Regional Minister, Adolf Ali, during the Eid-ul-Adha prayers held at the Tamale Jubilee Park, where hundreds of residents, including Professor Amin Alhassan, gathered to mark the Islamic festival.
Addressing the congregation, the minister expressed concern over the increasing reports of children wandering the streets late at night. He warned that this behavior could expose the youth to safety risks, including the use of illicit drugs such as tramadol and cannabis, which have become major concerns in the region.
Mr. Ali warned parents who allow their children to loiter at night to desist or face serious consequences. He stressed the importance of parental responsibility in curbing this trend.
Some urban communities in the Northern Region, especially Tamale and Yendi, have been grappling with substance abuse challenges, particularly among young adults.
This is not the first time authorities in the region have resorted to such measures to address child delinquency. In 2017, the then Mayor of Tamale initiated a programme dubbed the “Tamale Project,” aimed at addressing child delinquency and substance abuse. However, the initiative faced serious resistance from residents, with Mr. Superior accused of failing to consult stakeholders before rolling out the programme. Hundreds of children were reportedly arrested within the first week of its implementation.
It appears, however, that some lessons have been learned. The regional security council is now taking a more collaborative approach to restore discipline among children in the region.
In a recent visit to the Northern Region, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, met with chiefs, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to seek their support in addressing social vices facing the nation.
