Bawku in the Upper East Region of Ghana, has long been a flashpoint for violent conflict, often linked to chieftaincy disputes and ethnic tensions.
This volatile history has posed significant challenges to maintaining law and order in the area.
As Ghana heads to a pivotal election, ensuring peace and security in Bawku during the voting process is critical.
Addressing this, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Raymond Adufiem has expressed confidence in the Ghana Police Service’s ability to maintain peace, particularly on the day of special voting.
His remarks underscore the strategies and measures being implemented to sustain calm amid the heightened tensions.
DCOP Adufiem brought assurances of the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to preserving peace during the special voting period, emphasizing the visible efforts already underway. He stated;
“You can see, within the town that is carved, and people moving freely to come and exercise their franchise on this special day. We are going to maintain this momentum.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police U/E Raymond Adufiem
This reflected the Police Service’s proactive stance in creating an environment conducive to peaceful voting.
By establishing a robust security presence, the police aim to dispel fears and encourage community participation in the democratic process.
Acknowledging the importance of collaboration, DCOP Adufiem highlighted;
“And going forward, we are meeting all the parliamentary candidates in Bolga to ensure that we all agree to talk to our people and allow people to come and exercise their franchise.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police U/E Raymond Adufiem
He also stressed the role of the media in supporting security efforts. He reiterated;
“We want you, the media, to also give us information on anything in the field that you suspect can create a problem.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police U/E Raymond Adufiem
This cooperative approach underscores the police’s commitment to involving all stakeholders in maintaining peace.
Monitoring and Tactical Measures
The Ghana Police Service has deployed a range of tactical measures to monitor the situation closely and respond swiftly to any disturbances. DCOP Adufiem assured the public;
“The drones are following them, and when we get copies, we’ll deal with them. A few that have been arrested have been put before court in the Abdulman.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police U/E Raymond Adufiem
This statement highlighted the police’s readiness to employ advanced technology and judicial processes to address security challenges.
Despite the general atmosphere of calm, Adufiem acknowledged isolated incidents of unrest caused by gangs in the area. Meanwhile, in the morning, there were gangsters all over the Bawku vicinity with gunshots. He stated:
‘That is expected of Bawku. I can assure you, the drones are following them, and when we get culprits, we’ll deal with them.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police U/E Raymond Adufiem
This acknowledgment reflects the complexities of managing security in Bawku, where entrenched issues of lawlessness occasionally threaten peace.
DCOP Adufiem emphasized the importance of maintaining the current level of peace, stating;
“We’ll continue to maintain this momentum to sustain the security that we have. For Bawku, you can’t rule out a gunshot. But we are poised than ever to go after them.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police U/E Raymond Adufiem
His words illustrate the police’s long-term strategy to ensure stability, not just during the special voting period but beyond.
The assurances provided by DCOP Raymond Adufiem highlight the Ghana Police Service’s multifaceted approach to ensuring peace in Bawku amidst ongoing conflict.
Through stakeholder engagement, technological innovation, and proactive policing, the service aims to sustain calm during a critical electoral period.
While challenges remain, the commitment to collaboration and swift action demonstrates a clear resolve to uphold democracy and stability in the region.
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