The Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take swift and decisive action to ensure a viable resolution of the ongoing conflict in Bawku.
According to the Minority, the current efforts by government have fallen short of restoring peace and stability to the area.
The caucus has therefore underscored the need for more robust and strategic measures to end the violence and ensure lasting peace.
Addressing a news conference in Accra on Friday, the Ranking Member on Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, cautioned that failure to de-escalate the situation could trigger a cycle of reprisals that could further entrench insecurity in the region.
Also present at the news conference were the Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh; Deputy Minority Leader and MP for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei; and MP for Atwima Kwanwoma, Amankwa-Manu Kofi.
Rev Ntim Fordjour who is also the MP for Assin South bemoaned the escalating conflict in Bawku.
“The Minority in Parliament is deeply concerned about the worsening security situation in Bawku, where persistent violence continues to endanger lives and displace residents.
“Over the past few months, the intensity and frequency of attacks, including sporadic shootings, arson and home invasions, have escalated, with reports suggesting a high death toll with many more people said to be missing than those reported dead,” Rev. Ntim Fordjour pointed out.
The Minority also expressed worry over the increasing number of sophisticated weapons being used in the attacks, raising questions about the sources of those arms and the effectiveness of existing measures to prevent their proliferation.
“The growing sophistication of weaponry used in these attacks is particularly alarming, raising questions about the sources of arms and the effectiveness of measures to curb their proliferation.
“Recent developments, including targeted bus attacks and the setting ablaze of residential property, reflected the increasing volatility of the situation and the level of frustration among sections of the youth,” Rev Ntim Fordjour emphasised.
The Minority further noted that as a strategic border town, instability in Bawku presented a broader national and regional security threat.
The caucus was deeply concerned that the spread of attacks to other areas, including the North East and Ahafo regions, highlighted the urgent need for a more coordinated and comprehensive response.
“It is evident that the current approach to addressing the conflict has not been sufficient to restore calm.
“The government must demonstrate greater urgency and decisiveness. The deteriorating situation in Bawku is a national concern, and the government must take immediate action to prevent further escalation.
“The people of Bawku deserve to live in peace and security, and we urge the government to prioritise a sustainable resolution to this crisis before it spirals further out of control,” Rev Ntim Fordjour reiterated.
He decried the persistent insecurity in the area, insisting that it was gradually crippling essential services, exacerbating the suffering of residents and deepening the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“Beyond the immediate security concerns, the instability has devastated the affected communities. Schools have been forced to shut down, depriving children of their right to education, while key institutions and businesses are fleeing the area due to safety concerns.
“Critical sectors such as education and healthcare are severely impacted, with teachers, nurses and other professionals refusing postings to Bawku for fear of their safety,” he said.
Responding to questions, the MP for Atwima Kwanwoma, Amankwa-Manu Kofi, who is also a former Deputy Minister for Defence reaffirmed the Minority’s commitment to support the government in finding a lasting solution to the Bawku conflict.
He emphasised the need for decisive and fair action, stating, “It is important that we address the Bawku issue once and for all.
“We all understand how sensitive this matter is. If care is not taken, and one ethnic group lays down its arms and is then recruited into the security services, we can all foresee the chaos this could spark across the nation,” Mr. Amankwa-Manu Kofi cautioned.
