Minority calls on government to urgently resolve Bawku conflict

The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to take immediate and decisive action to find a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict in Bawku.

According to the group, the current efforts have fallen short of restoring peace and stability to the area.

They stressed the need for more robust and strategic measures to end the violence and ensure lasting calm.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra today, (April 11, 2025), Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, cautioned that the failure to de-escalate the situation risks triggering a cycle of reprisals that could further entrench insecurity in the region.

Also present at the press conference were MP for Atwima Kwanwoma, Amankwa-Manu Kofi; MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh; and MP for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei.

"The Minority in Parliament is deeply concerned about the worsening security situation in Bawku, where persistent violence continues to endanger lives and displace residents," Rev. Ntim Fordjour said. 

"Over the past few months, the intensity and frequency of attacks including sporadic shootings, arson, and home invasions-have escalated, with reports suggesting a high death toll with many more people said to be missing than those reported dead," he stressed.

Sophisticated weapons

He expressed concern over the increasing sophistication of weapons being used in the attacks, raising serious questions about the sources of these arms and the effectiveness of existing measures to prevent their proliferation.

"The growing sophistication of weaponry used in these attacks is particularly alarming, raising questions about the sources of arms and the effectiveness of measures to curb their proliferation."

"Recent developments, including targeted bus attacks and the setting ablaze of the residence of Hon. Mahama Ayariga, reflect the increasing volatility of the situation and the level of frustration among sections of the youth," he stressed. 

National concern

Rev. Ntim Fordjour also stressed that, as a strategic border town, instability in Bawku presents a broader national and regional security threat. 

He said the spread of attacks to other areas, including the North East and Ahafo regions, highlights the urgent need for a more coordinated and comprehensive response.

"It is evident that the current approach to addressing the conflict has not been sufficient to restore calm. The government must demonstrate greater urgency and decisiveness. The deteriorating situation in Bawku is a national concern, and the government must take immediate action to prevent further escalation."

"The people of Bawku deserve to live in peace and security, and we urge the government to prioritize a sustainable resolution to this crisis before it spirals further out of control," he said.

Additionally, he lamented the persistent insecurity in the area, noting that it is gradually crippling essential services, exacerbating the suffering of residents, and deepening the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

"Beyond the immediate security concerns, the instability has devastated the affected communities. Schools have been forced to shut down, depriving children of their right to education, while key institutions and businesses are fleeing the area due to safety concerns." 

"Critical sectors such as education and healthcare are severely impacted, with teachers, nurses, and other professionals refusing postings to Bawku for fear of their safety," he added.

IGP's promises

Responding to questions, Member of Parliament for Atwima Kwanwoma, Amankwa-Manu Kofi, referenced circulating messages on social media suggesting that Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, had allegedly promised to recruit members of the warring factions into the security services if they agreed to disarm.

Mr Amankwa-Manu described the alleged promise as "absurd," warning that such a gesture could set a dangerous precedent by encouraging individuals from other ethnic groups to engage in conflict with the expectation of eventual recruitment once they lay down their arms.

"The visit by the IGP to the Bawku enclave is a step in the right direction that everybody should applaud but what i am reading on social media, if that is true, then the IGP is rather going to create more problems than good. To say that lay down your tools and that if you lay down your tools, we will consider you for recruitment is something that one cannot understand" " he said.

He continued "To de-escalate the tension in Bawku it is important that we get the all parties involved to lay down their tools but for me, it will be absurd to recruit people into the security services based on the fact that they have laid down their tools. What it means is that if you do not even meet the criteria to be recruited, you will be recruited because you have laid down your tools.  That obviously is not the way to go."

Minority's commitment

Mr Amankwa-Manu reaffirmed the Minority’s commitment to supporting the government in finding a lasting solution to the Bawku conflict. 

He emphasized the need for decisive and fair action, stating: "It is important that we address the Bawku issue once and for all. We all understand how sensitive this matter is. If care is not taken, and one ethnic group lays down its arms and is then recruited into the security services, we can all foresee the chaos this could spark across the nation."

"We from the minority will support every move to bring finality and then to find solution to the situation in Bawku because Bawku is a border town and if care is not taken and we get these armed groupings using Bawku as a weak point, the entire country will be on its knees. We don't want that," he added.