Law lecturer and former Assistant Director of Legal Services for the Ghana Armed Forces, Dr. Jamal Tonzua, has voiced deep concerns over the Ghanaian government’s handling of the protracted Bawku conflict, asserting that bias and inadequate responses are fueling continued unrest and potentially increasing the nation’s vulnerability to terrorism.
In a statement released on November 3, 2024, Dr. Tonzua challenged the effectiveness of the government’s approach, which he described as overly reliant on militarization, arrests, and a focus on criminality.
Dr. Tonzua said, “Through neglect or incompetence, the government has allowed the Bawku issue to escalate, bringing serious implications for national security, especially given the rise of violent extremism in West Africa.”
Often attributed to chieftaincy tensions between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups, the Bawku conflict has seen periodic violence, arson, and loss of life.
Yet, Dr. Tonzua emphasized that these tensions do not fully explain the worsening crisis, highlighting what he described as ” the government’s failure to remain impartial. “
“Key political figures, including the President and ministers, have shown bias in a matter that requires sound evidential analysis, legal scrutiny, and diplomacy,” he argued.
Dr. Tonzua criticized the government’s narrow framing of the issue, stating that the current strategy only achieves temporary de-escalation and fails to provide a foundation for lasting peace.
“At best, such a coercive approach helps to de-escalate violence, but it does not address the root causes. True peace, mutual coexistence, and economic development in Bawku require a more comprehensive response,” he suggested.
Calling for a neutral and evidence-based approach, Dr. Tonzua urged the government to address broader security concerns, such as Ghana’s porous borders, the prevalence of illegal arms, and the links between unemployment, underdevelopment, and violence.
“Our policymakers must be mindful of the complex factors at play,” he said, “and make the best use of limited resources to implement a sustainable solution.”
Dr. Tonzua appealed for effective, neutral leadership to secure lasting peace in Bawku, arguing that only a balanced approach can bring meaningful change to the embattled region.
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