The Ministry of National Security has firmly defended its GH₵6 million monthly budget allocated to addressing the ongoing conflict in Bawku, following recent allegations by Hon. Mahama Ayariga, the NDC Member of Parliament for Bawku Central Constituency.
The Ministry, in a statement, emphasized that the allocation is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the conflict-ridden area.
The Ministry highlighted that the GH₵6 million monthly budget is integral to sustaining a special operation launched in February 2023.
“In response to the sharp and troubling escalation of the inter-ethnic tensions in Bawku in 2021, which led to the tragic loss of hundreds of innocent lives, including women and children, displacement of people, and disruption of economic activities, the Ministry, as a matter of urgency, established a special operation in February 2023 to maintain peace in Bawku and its environs, as well as other areas in the North East Region affected and impacted by the conflict”.
The Ministry of National Security
The Ministry of National Security further pointed out that these funds cover essential operational costs, such as fuel supplies for Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other operational vehicles.
The statement also indicated that the provision and delivery of food rations for personnel of the Task Force; special intelligence operations, and other civil-military activities aimed at building societal cohesion and stability in Bawku were part of the operational costs and activities of the Ministry.
Furthermore, the Ministry of National Security revealed that in line with the coordination and operational strategy for the management of the conflict, the Ministry distributed funds immediately upon receipt to the participating security and intelligence agencies.
This, the statement emphasized aims to provide the logistics and support for personnel involved in the operations, with the core mandate of protecting the lives and livelihoods of all citizens in the area
Response to Ayariga’s Allegations
Hon. Mahama Ayariga had questioned the necessity and justification for the GH₵6 million monthly budget. In response, the Ministry of National Security expressed disappointment, emphasizing that Honorable Ayariga, given his position as an MP, should be more informed about the complexities and necessities of national security operations.
The Ministry condemned Honorable Ayariga’s remarks as politicizing a critical national security issue, which could potentially misinform the public and reignite tensions in Bawku.
“We must emphasize further that these funds are part of the general operational budget for the Ministry. The Ministry is, however, compelled to allocate these amounts to maintain peace in Bawku, when they could have been invested, instead, in enhancing Ghana’s capability to build resilience against the dire security threats such as terrorism and violent extremism spreading across the West African region”.
The Ministry of National Security
The Ministry of National Security, in conclusion, called on well-meaning Ghanaians to discourage statements that could misinform the public and endanger the lives of security personnel.
It reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Bawku and safeguarding the overall security of the country.
According to the statement, the Ministry of National Security remains steadfast in its mission to coordinate and execute security operations nationwide, adding that its continued focus on Bawku reflects the government’s dedication to resolving the conflict and protecting the residents of the region.
The press statement ended with a strong message: “The Ministry of National Security remains committed to its mandate and duty to sustain its operations in Bawku, to safeguard the overall peace and stability of the country”.
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