Act Swiftly on Bawku Security Crisis – Minority Charges Gov’t

By: Justice Nii Torgbor

Bawku, Ghana — The Minority in Parliament is sounding the alarm on the escalating security situation in Bawku, where persistent violence has claimed lives, displaced residents, and crippled essential services. In a statement signed by Hon. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of the Committee on Defence and Interior, He emphasizes the need for a sustainable resolution to the crisis before it spirals further out of control. “We cannot afford to wait any longer. The lives of innocent citizens are at stake, and we must act decisively to restore peace in Bawku,” the situation demands immediate attention from the government to prevent further deterioration of the already fragile community.

Escalating Violence: 

Over the past few months, Bawku has witnessed a surge in violence, characterized by sporadic shootings, arson, and home invasions. Local sources report that at least 20 lives have been lost in recent clashes between rival ethnic groups, primarily the Mamprusi and Kusasi. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of thousands, with many families seeking refuge in neighboring towns and regions.

Education & Healthcare Impacted:

The violence has forced the closure of more than 30 schools, leaving approximately 10,000 children without access to education. Healthcare facilities are also struggling to operate, as nurses and doctors are hesitant to work in the area due to safety concerns. The few remaining healthcare providers are overwhelmed, leading to a critical shortage of medical services for those in need.

    Regional Security Risk: 

As a strategic border town, Bawku’s instability poses a wider national and regional security risk. The conflict has the potential to spill over into neighboring regions, including the North East and Ahafo, where reports of increased tensions and retaliatory attacks have emerged. Security experts warn that if left unchecked, the violence could destabilize the entire northern region of Ghana, which has already been grappling with its own security challenges.

Call to Action

The government must demonstrate greater urgency and decisiveness in addressing the conflict. Lawyer Maxwell Ziyerley Agbambilla, representing Bawku Naaba, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for swift action to address the crisis. “The time for dialogue and negotiation has passed; we need immediate intervention to restore peace and security to Bawku,” he stated in a recent press conference.

The Chieftaincy Minister has also urged feuding factions to refrain from politicking and blame games, instead allowing the government to work impartially towards a resolution. “We must prioritize the safety and well-being of our citizens above all else,” he remarked.

Community Resilience

Despite the dire circumstances, local communities are banding together to support one another. Various NGOs and community-based organizations are providing food, shelter, and psychological support to those affected by the violence. However, these efforts are hampered by the ongoing conflict, which restricts movement and access to resources.

As the situation continues to unfold, the eyes of the nation remain on Bawku, with hopes that swift government action can quell the violence and restore stability to this troubled region.