The Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament has called on President John Mahama to take swift action to contain the insecurities in Bawku which is deteriorating at a faster rate.
Speaking at news conference in Accra today 11th April, 2025, the Minority stated that “As a strategic border town, Bawku’s instability poses a wider national and regional security risk.”
The Minority’s call comes a day after the residence of Majority Leader and MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga was set ablaze as the insecurity intensifies.
The Ranking Member on Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, Rev Ntim Fordjour noted that 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 the residence of Hon. Mahama Ayariga, reflect the increasing volatility of the situation and the level of frustration among sections of the youth”, the Minority spokesperson stated.
Read the full statement below:
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.
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 the residence of Hon. Mahama Ayariga, reflect the increasing volatility of the situation and the level of frustration among sections of the youth. The failure to de-escalate tensions leads to a cycle of reprisals, which, if unchecked, will further entrench insecurity in the area.
As a strategic border town, Bawku’s instability poses a wider national and regional security risk.
The expansion of attacks to other regions, including the North East and Ahafo, further underscores the urgent need for a more coordinated response.
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. The continued insecurity is gradually crippling essential services, worsening the plight of residents, and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
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 prioritize a sustainable resolution to this crisis before it spirals further out of control.
