Retired police officer and Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has stressed the urgent need for impartiality, not neutrality, from police officers deployed to Bawku, amid escalating violence in the area. Speaking during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on April 14, he made a compelling call for professionalism and decisive action by the security forces, stating that the current conflict environment does not allow room for mere neutrality.
According to the former security expert, neutrality in such a volatile situation can be dangerous and misinterpreted. He emphasized that officers must uphold the law by standing for what is right, without aligning with any of the factions involved in the conflict. “If A is wrong, say so. If B is wrong, say so,” he urged, stressing that the police must be impartial and serve as a buffer to promote peace, not as parties to the conflict.
Toobu expressed his deep concern for the rising lawlessness and the dangers faced by security personnel. He advised police officers to strictly follow standard operating procedures and avoid entering town without proper authorization. The Wa West MP highlighted the importance of personal safety, stating that Bawku is now a red zone and poses high risks for officers, especially those not in uniform or acting without clearance.
The lawmaker also drew attention to the growing threat of illegal weapons and arms trading in the area, which he said was fueling the violence and radicalization of youth. He warned that these developments could worsen if immediate steps are not taken at the national level. “We talk about the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in this country. It is a big challenge,” he noted, adding that arms dealers might be profiting from the ongoing crisis.
Toobu welcomed the involvement of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in leading peace mediation efforts in the area and praised President John Mahama for prioritizing Bawku. He said the situation calls for a sophisticated approach and a coordinated national strategy to restore peace. He maintained that the root causes of the crisis, including youth radicalization and illegal arms flow, must be addressed holistically.
Calling for stronger enforcement and preventive measures, he urged stakeholders to view the Bawku crisis as a national conflict and treat it with the seriousness it deserves.
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