Security Guard Yahya Issa Murdered in Wa Municipality, Sparking Fears of Rising Crime
The Wa Municipality in the Upper West Region is reeling from the brutal killing of a 55-year-old night security guard, Yahya Issa, popularly known as Soja, whose body was discovered with severe head trauma in the Dobile Electoral Area on the early morning of Saturday, September 20.
Issa worked as a watchman at the Wa Regional Market, and his death has reignited concerns over escalating security threats in the area, particularly targeting night guards. The Municipal Chief Executive, Issah Nura Danwana, was alerted by National Security operatives and rushed to the scene, describing the incident as “disturbing” amid repeated resident complaints about crime in vulnerable parts of the municipality.
Assembly Member for Dobile Electoral Area, Zakaria Ibrahim, confirmed the discovery of Issa’s body and visited the site, labeling the killing “shocking” and recalling a similar wave of murders against private security guards in 2022 that prompted intensified police patrols. Residents fear this could signal a resurgence of such targeted violence, demanding urgent action to bolster community safety.
The Ghana Police Service has launched a full investigation, transporting Issa’s body to the Upper West Regional Hospital mortuary for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and identify suspects. Authorities have appealed for public cooperation and warned against speculation that could hinder the probe.
This tragedy underscores ongoing challenges in Wa, where economic pressures and limited nighttime policing have fueled petty crime and assaults, leaving locals on edge.
