Bawku Clash: Police and Soldiers Deployed to Bolga-Walewale Road After Killings
Bawku, Ghana – October 28, 2024
Security forces, including police and military personnel, have been deployed to the Bolgatanga-Walewale road in response to recent clashes that led to multiple fatalities. The volatile situation has prompted the Ghana Police Service to work closely with the Ghana Armed Forces to restore calm and ensure the safety of travelers and residents in the area.
The incident began when violence broke out in Bawku over the weekend, leaving several people dead and others injured. The clashes, believed to be linked to longstanding ethnic and chieftaincy disputes, have caused significant concern among local authorities and residents. The Ghana Police Service and the military have responded promptly, setting up patrols and roadblocks along the Bolga-Walewale highway, a major route connecting northern Ghana to other regions.
According to sources close to the security operations, patrol teams have been stationed at key points along the road to monitor activities and prevent further escalation. Police Commissioner Kwesi Appiah, leading the security efforts, has reassured the public that all measures are being taken to de-escalate tensions and safeguard lives and properties. “Our primary goal is to restore calm and prevent any further loss of life,” Commissioner Appiah stated in a press release on Monday.
The recent clash is part of a protracted conflict in Bawku, where ethnic and traditional disputes have simmered for years. Previous clashes have claimed lives and displaced families, making security interventions a regular necessity in the area. The most recent incident has reignited calls for a long-term solution to the Bawku conflict, as community members urge both the government and traditional authorities to intensify peace talks.
Residents have expressed mixed feelings regarding the security deployment. Some have welcomed the intervention, citing increased safety on the roads, while others worry about potential human rights abuses amid heightened security measures. A trader traveling to Bolgatanga expressed relief upon seeing military checkpoints, saying, “I feel safer knowing that the army and police are around to keep the peace.”
The security presence is also intended to secure the movement of goods and services in the area. With the Bolga-Walewale road being a vital artery for trade in the region, stakeholders have raised concerns about how ongoing violence could impact the economy and livelihoods. The Ministry of Trade and Industry is closely monitoring the situation, and officials have called on security agencies to ensure a swift and effective resolution.
Local leaders, including the Paramount Chief of Bawku, Naaba Abugragu II, have appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel. They are urging citizens to refrain from taking justice into their own hands, as such actions only exacerbate tensions. Naaba Abugragu II emphasized the need for dialogue and reconciliation, encouraging all parties involved to work towards peaceful coexistence.
In light of the recent killings, national leaders have also become increasingly involved. Key government officials, including the Minister of the Interior and the National Peace Council, have called for an emergency meeting to discuss strategies for a sustainable resolution. They are exploring initiatives aimed at fostering understanding and cooperation between the various ethnic groups in Bawku.
As the government intensifies efforts to restore stability in Bawku and along the Bolga-Walewale road, security agencies have urged the public to report any suspicious activity and cooperate with law enforcement officials. The Ghana Police Service has set up a hotline for residents to share intelligence anonymously, and officers are encouraging community leaders to act as mediators to ease tensions.
With security operations ongoing, the authorities are hopeful that peace will soon be restored in Bawku, enabling residents to go about their daily lives without fear.
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