Use of Force!

…Military Switches to Peace Enforcement to Restore Peace in Bawku

By: Isaac Boamah Darko

The Ghana Armed Forces has transitioned from peacekeeping to peace enforcement operations in Bawku and its environs, following a directive by President John Dramani Mahama. This move aims to restore law and order in the area, which has been plagued by violence, reprisal attacks, and innocent deaths.

What is Peace Enforcement?

Peace enforcement is a military operation that uses force to impose peace and stability in conflict zones. It differs from peacekeeping, which focuses on monitoring and maintaining peace in areas where a ceasefire or peace agreement is in place. In peace enforcement operations, the military may use force to protect civilians, restore order, and enforce compliance with agreements or resolutions.

Ghana Armed Forces’ New Posture

The Ghana Armed Forces will conduct robust and purposeful operations in Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu, and Zebilla to enhance community protection and restore sanity to the affected areas. The military will use all necessary force to restore law and order during its operations and has imposed a curfew from 2 pm to 6 am in the affected areas.

Principles Guiding the Use of Force

The Ghana Armed Forces will adhere to the principles of necessity, proportionality, and distinction in its use of force. This means that force will only be used when necessary to achieve a specific objective, and the level of force used will be proportionate to the threat or situation. The military will also distinguish between combatants and non-combatants and avoid harming civilians or causing unnecessary damage.

Cooperation with Security Forces

The Ghana Armed Forces appeals to all well-meaning Ghanaians, particularly the good people of Bawku, to cooperate with the security forces. Any attempt to distract the operations and activities of the force in place, including attacks on security personnel, will be met with an appropriate response.

Commitment to Peace and Security

The Ghana Armed Forces remains firmly committed to executing its constitutional mandate to ensure that the country is peaceful and its citizens are safe. The military is ready to take all necessary steps to restore law and order in Bawku and its environs.

Curfew and Restrictions

The renewed curfew period in the affected areas is from 2 pm to 6 am and will be enforced strictly. The Ghana Armed Forces calls on all citizens to adhere to law and order, including all agreed restrictions during the period.