Bawku Conflict Escalates: 8 Killed as Gunmen Block Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway
In a tragic turn of events, the escalating Bawku conflict has claimed eight more lives, as heavily armed gunmen reportedly blocked the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway, a vital route connecting the Upper East and Northern regions of Ghana. The attack, which occurred on Thursday, has raised serious concerns about the security of the area, as the highway serves as a critical link for travelers, goods, and services between northern towns and cities.
Witnesses reported that a group of unidentified armed men set up roadblocks on the highway near Bolgatanga, intercepting travelers and vehicles. Reports indicate that those who attempted to pass through were subjected to harassment and violence, with some vehicles forcefully stopped and passengers interrogated. Tragically, eight individuals lost their lives in the ambush, sparking fresh calls for enhanced security measures to protect citizens along the route.
According to local sources, the gunmen targeted specific individuals, particularly those suspected of affiliation with rival groups involved in the Bawku conflict. The incident reflects the mounting tensions surrounding the conflict, which has seen various factions at odds over traditional leadership disputes and related grievances. The recurring violence has disrupted daily life, affecting livelihoods, trade, and access to essential services.
Authorities have since deployed additional security personnel to patrol the highway, and joint military and police units have been dispatched to restore calm in the affected areas. Speaking on the attack, a senior police officer in the Upper East Region confirmed the deployment and reassured the public of the government’s commitment to ensuring peace and security along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway.
In response, several prominent voices, including traditional leaders and local officials, have called for an immediate ceasefire and encouraged dialogue as a way to resolve the ongoing conflict. They are urging community leaders from all factions to come together to establish lasting peace. The Bawku Naba, Naaba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, has consistently advocated for dialogue, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence among communities in Bawku and beyond.
Local advocacy groups are also mobilizing support, emphasizing the toll that violence has taken on families and communities in the region. The continued conflict in Bawku poses a threat not only to local security but to the economic stability of the Upper East Region as a whole. As the situation unfolds, security agencies are working to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The tragic incident underscores the urgency of a peaceful resolution to the conflict, as communities hope for an end to the cycle of violence and loss.
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