The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has denied claims the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, was attacked in Bawku.
According to the GAF, such claims are false and simply misleading.
In a statement dated April 25, 2025, and signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations, GAF addressed viral social media videos spreading the unfounded allegations, urging the public to disregard them.
“GAF wishes to state that the contents of the said videos are false and should be treated with the contempt that they deserve”.
According to GAF, Major General Gbetanu’s operational visit to Bawku on April 23, 2025, was carried out successfully without any negative incidents recorded. Officials assured that security in the region remains intact, emphasizing that misinformation of this nature has the potential to escalate tensions.
The military further stated that efforts are underway to track down the originators of the misleading content and bring them to justice. As part of its response, GAF cautioned bloggers, media outlets, and content creators to exercise prudence when reporting on military operations, particularly those concerning Bawku.
“GAF once again wishes to caution bloggers, content creators, and the media at large to be circumspect in their reportage on GAF operations, especially in Bawku, since any deliberate misinformation and disinformation of the populace has the potential to worsen the security situation in the area.”
During the visit to Bawku, Major General Gbetanu issued a strong warning to ‘Insurgents’ behind the ongoing Bawku conflict.
He warned that they will deal ruthlessly with any person caught assaulting civilians and military personnel.
According to him, anyone who carries out such an attack in Bawku will be considered an extremist and dealt with accordingly.
“I’ll serve a word of caution to all, especially those fomenting the trouble in Bawku, that their days are getting numbered. Any attack on innocent civilians or any military personnel will be considered as an act of extremism and will be met with the deliberate full strength and resolve of our forces,” he declared.
He warned that there would be “no safe haven” for those choosing violence over peace and assured that armed perpetrators will be pursued and brought to justice.
“We will pursue every individual involved. And justice will be served,” he assured.
