‘Insurgents’ behind the ongoing Bawku conflict have been issued a strong warning by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
Speaking on behalf of the GAF, Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, 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.
After touring Bawku on Wednesday, Major General Gbetanu stressed the Ghana Armed Forces’ readiness to decisively clamp down on violent elements.
“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.
Major General Gbetanu also appealed directly to the youth, encouraging them to embrace dialogue and development instead of violence.
“Lay down your arms, return to the path of peace. Your future does not lie in bloodshed but in building, learning, and growing your country,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the Chief of Army Staff paid a courtesy call on the Kusaug Traditional Council. During the meeting, he called for collaboration between traditional authorities and the security services to help restore calm.
He also urged chiefs to help rein in the youth and discourage any confrontational behaviour toward military personnel, stressing the need for mutual respect to maintain stability in the area.
The visit marks Major General Gbetanu’s first official tour of Bawku since assuming office.
There have been several casualties, including the killing of children and families in the ongoing conflict in Bawku and along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway.
Despite intensified efforts by security forces to quell the unrest and safeguard commuters, armed assailants continue to unleash deadly attacks, deepening fear and uncertainty among residents and travelers in the region.
There has been an escalation of violence following the resurgence of a long-standing chieftaincy conflict, sparked by the return of rival chief Alhaji Seidu Abagre from exile.
Abagre fled Bawku after an arrest warrant was issued against him following his contested installation as chief in Nalerigu, a High Court ruling in Kumasi on October 17, 2024, nullified the warrant, allowing him to resurface.
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An attack on military in Bawku will be met with full and deliberate strength – Ghana Armed Forces#TV3GH
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) April 24, 2025
