TAMALE, GHANA – A drug dealer, Napari Baba Nindow, received a three-year prison sentence with hard labour from the Tamale Circuit Court on June 5, 2026, after admitting to possessing and selling restricted drugs without authorization. The conviction stems from his arrest on June 2, 2026, in Savelugu by the Northern Region’s CTU Special Team, codenamed RED MARIA, who found him with tramadol and cannabis.
Context of the Conviction
The Northern Region Police have intensified efforts to combat the illegal drug trade, with this conviction serving as a testament to their commitment. Napari Baba Nindow faced charges related to the possession and sale of restricted substances, specifically tramadol, a potent opioid pain reliever often misused, and cannabis, commonly known as “wee.” These substances are subject to strict regulations due to their potential for abuse and harm.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the court proceedings, Nindow pleaded guilty to two charges: possession of restricted drugs without lawful authority and prohibited sale of restricted drugs without lawful authority. His Honour Francis Asobayire presided over the case, delivering the sentence.
In addition to the three-year jail term, the court imposed a significant fine of 10,000 penalty units, equating to GH¢120,000, specifically for the charge of prohibited sale. This fine carries a further consequence; failure to pay the GH¢120,000 will result in an additional five years of imprisonment with hard labour.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Despite the conviction and sentencing, Nindow’s legal troubles are not entirely over. He has pleaded not guilty to two separate and more serious charges: possession of narcotic drugs and engaging in a prohibited business related to narcotic drugs. These charges suggest the police may have found evidence indicating a larger scale operation or different types of controlled substances.
The court has scheduled further proceedings for these outstanding charges on June 29, 2026. Nindow remains in police custody pending his transfer to prison facilities. He will undergo mandatory COVID-19 screening before commencing his sentence.
Police Statement and Commitment
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Richard Ackumey, Deputy Regional Crime Officer, issued a statement emphasizing the police’s dedication. “This conviction shows the commitment of the Northern Region Police to clamp down on the illegal trade in restricted and narcotic drugs,” the statement read. This highlights a strategic focus by law enforcement in the region to disrupt drug networks.
Implications for the Region
The successful prosecution of Napari Baba Nindow sends a clear message to individuals involved in the illicit drug trade within the Northern Region. It underscores the legal ramifications of dealing in substances like tramadol and cannabis, even when possessed in quantities that might seem minor to offenders.
The substantial fine, coupled with the prison sentence, aims to act as a significant deterrent. The ongoing charges related to narcotic drugs suggest that investigations into Nindow’s alleged activities are continuing, potentially uncovering wider networks or more dangerous substances. This could lead to further arrests and prosecutions in the future.
What to Watch Next
The upcoming court date on June 29, 2026, will be critical in determining the full extent of Nindow’s legal accountability. Observers will be watching to see if the prosecution can secure convictions on the more serious narcotic drug charges. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the RED MARIA unit and similar task forces in dismantling drug supply chains in the Northern Region will be a key area to monitor in the coming months.
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