The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of civilians and protecting property in Bawku, as part of its broader mandate to ensure peace and stability in the region.
This assurance was given by the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, during a press briefing following a working visit to the conflict-prone area.
Addressing the media, Major General Gbetanu strongly condemned the recurring incidents of violent unrest and reaffirmed the military’s dedication to restoring calm.
He issued a stern warning to individuals or groups found fomenting violence, stating that the military will take firm action against perpetrators.
“I want to assure the people of Bawku and the entire Nation that the Ghana Armed Forces is committed to its responsibility of protecting lives and properties. We will not relent in our efforts to create an environment to peace and security.”
“Let me however serve a word of caution to all, especially those fomenting the trouble in Bawku, that their days are getting numbered. Any attack on innocent civilians or any military personnel will be considered as an accident of extremism and will be met with the deliberate full strength and resolve of our forces,” Major General Gbetanu stated.
The Army Chief also expressed the military’s readiness to collaborate with local authorities and community leaders to find lasting solutions to the conflict, emphasizing that peace is a shared responsibility.
Major General Gbetanu urged the traditional authority in Bawku to lend its support to finding a lasting solution to the Bawku violent unrests, assuring the full cooperation of the military.
On his part, the Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Asoka II, assured the full cooperation of his Traditional Council to the peace building process. He urged the military to be professional in the discharge of their lawful duties.
The Bawku area has in recent years been plagued by intermittent clashes, resulting in loss of lives and displacement. The Ghana Armed Forces’ presence in the region forms part of broader security operations to restore law and order.
The Armed Forces is urging residents to support peace initiatives and cooperate with to ensure long-term stability in Bawku.
Notable senior officers of the Military who accompanied the Chief of Army Staff on his working visit included the General Officer Commanding of the Ghana Armed Forces Northern Command, Brigadier General Frank Nartey Tei, the Director of Operation of the Ghana Armed Forces, Colonel Emmanuel Larbi Gyadu, the Bawku Taskforce Commander Colonel Rosslyn Foli Atiogbe.
The others were the Commander Rear of the 11 Mechanized Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Kara Sau-Antwi.
