The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have increased their operational presence through a series of coordinated cordon and search exercises in an effort to bolster security and restore calm in the volatile town of Bawku and the surrounding communities.
The action comes after reports of ongoing violence and intermittent gunfire in the region, which has long been riven by ethnic conflicts and tensions related to chieftaincy.
“In the early hours of… troops deployed at BINDURI heard sporadic gunshots coming from the Binduri Central Market area. Personnel swiftly moved to the location and cordoned off the area.
“A combined team from the 11 Mechanised Battalion and the Joint Task Force, supported by the Police, proceeded to conduct detailed search operations to identify and apprehend those involved”.
Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations of the GAF
The Ghana Armed Forces’ statement pointed out that to prevent any potential escape or collateral damage, the military contingent cordoned off the market area in accordance with standard procedure.
The release stated that after a comprehensive search of the area, one suspected shooter was apprehended and turned over to the police for additional investigation and potential prosecution.
During the operation, the statement announced that the security team recovered a cache of weapons and combat equipment, including one empty M16 rifle magazine, 370 rounds of M16 and AK-47 ammunition, 128 rounds of G3 ammunition, a machete, four fragmentation jackets, a pair of boots, a helmet, and an AK-47 and G3 rifle.
The haul of weapons and ammunition highlights the degree of skill and readiness of the unnamed gunmen who are thought to be escalating the unrest in the region.
Attack in Binduru
Moreover, the Ghana Armed Forces’ statement noted that some unknown attackers made an attempt to sneak into Binduri later that day, but patrolling troops stopped them, adding that the armed men and the military engaged in gunfire as a result of the ensuing altercation.
The Ghana Armed Forces reported that fortunately, no casualties were reported on the side of the security personnel, and the gunmen fled the scene, further highlighting the risks soldiers face while protecting civilians.
The military command stated that security forces are still on high alert to take swift action in the event of any new threats and that the situation in Bawku is currently under control.
To enable a return to normalcy, residents have been asked to maintain their composure and work with the security forces.
“The Ghana Armed Forces, working closely with other security agencies, remains committed to safeguarding the peace and security of Bawku”
Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations of the GAF
He also urged citizens to assist the military and other civil authorities in their efforts by providing information and abstaining from actions that might exacerbate tensions.
Bawku has been the site of ongoing fighting for the past three decades, with sporadic flare-ups that have caused property damage and casualties, mass evictions, and a significant military presence.
Peace is brittle despite the numerous interventions made by succeeding administrations, and violent outbursts frequently occur without warning.
Security analysts have frequently called for increased intelligence-led operations and community engagement to stop the spread of illegal weapons in the area, citing this as a key factor escalating the conflict.
The most recent operation by the Ghanaian Armed Forces seems to be consistent with this strategy, indicating a more assertive military stance meant to disarm violent actors and break up their networks.
The confiscation of firearms and the capture of a suspected shooter are seen by many as a potential breakthrough in the detection and dismantling of local armed groups.
They warn, though, that military fixes might not be enough to address the root causes of the conflict, which include long-standing interethnic rivalries, governance issues, and land disputes.
Despite the Ghana Armed Forces’ commitment to upholding law and order, there is growing public hope that the Asantehene’s peacebuilding resolution will bring peace and unity to Bawku and other Upper East conflict hotspots.
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