The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have recently found themselves at the center of a heated controversy regarding the alleged killing of individuals in Bawku. Amidst rising tensions, the GAF has made a decisive move to address these allegations, calling them “false and unfounded” in a detailed press statement.
According to a report by Graphic Online, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations at the GAF, emphasized the misinformation surrounding the soldiers’ actions deployed in Bawku. The statement comes following claims that soldiers were responsible for the deaths of three Kusasi youths in Sabongari, a suburb of Bawku.
These allegations also included assertions that the victims were in military custody before their execution, a narrative the GAF has strongly denied. According to reports from the 11 Mechanised Battalion, the unit deployed in Bawku, there has been a noticeable escalation in violence by factions within the area, leading to fatal outcomes.
The GAF’s statement provides a timeline of events that have contributed to the current state of unrest in Bawku, beginning with the murder of Issah Halidu, a 40-year-old Mamprusi, on January 12, 2024. Halidu’s death, reportedly resulting from an attempt at cattle rustling, was the spark that ignited a series of violent incidents.
The violence escalated with sporadic gunshots in various locations, including New Station, Daduuri, and Maziama. On January 17, unknown gunmen attacked civilians behind the Bawku Divisional Police Station, resulting in two deaths and several injuries. The victims belonged to diverse ethnic backgrounds, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
The same day, a Kusasi professor, Azumah Alhassan, was murdered in Sokabisi, Bolgatanga, further intensifying the conflict. Following this, on January 18, unknown gunmen engaged in a shootout with GAF troops, leading to the neutralization of three assailants and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.
In another alarming development, a police patrol team discovered locals attempting to ignite a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bomb at a Goil Filling Station in Bawku. The suspects fled, leaving behind the explosive device, which was secured by the military.
These incidents paint a picture of a region caught in the throes of a complex conflict, where the lines between perpetrators and victims are blurred. The GAF has expressed its regret over the deaths of the assailants, underscoring the unfortunate nature of the escalating violence in Bawku.
The GAF’s statement serves as a crucial clarification in the face of growing misinformation. It also signifies the challenging environment in which the military operates, where they are compelled to engage in direct combat to protect civilians and maintain peace.
The GAF’s proactive disclosure of the events is not just about setting the record straight; it’s about ensuring that the public understands the gravity of the situation in Bawku. The organization is committed to upholding peace and security, even in the most challenging circumstances.
As the GAF continues its operations in the region, it underscores the necessity for all factions to refrain from drawing the military into direct armed confrontations. The military’s involvement in Bawku is a delicate balancing act aimed at safeguarding the populace while attempting to de-escalate the situation.
The plea for support from peace-loving Ghanaians, especially the residents of Bawku, is a call to unity and cooperation. The GAF’s mission extends beyond immediate military action; it encompasses a broader objective of fostering socio-economic development and lasting peace in the area.
As the situation in Bawku evolves, the GAF remains a critical player in the quest for stability and peace. Their efforts, as outlined in their statement, are indicative of a disciplined force committed to the principles of justice and the welfare of the citizens.
In the midst of these challenges, the GAF’s message is clear: collaboration and support from the community are essential in overcoming the current impasse and ensuring a peaceful future for Bawku.
