The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to take decisive and immediate action in response to fresh clashes between police and residents in Bawku.
The latest incident, which began on Wednesday, has resulted in one person’s death and two others, including a police officer, suffering severe injuries.
The Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, is currently in Bawku, leading mediation talks with various stakeholders to resolve the situation.
However, the Minority is expressing dissatisfaction with the current efforts, describing them as inadequate.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament, the Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee Rev Ntim Fordjour, said, “This ongoing situation demands more than just talks. It requires drastic action to restore peace and security in Bawku. What we are seeing is not enough.”
The Minority’s call for a stronger response comes as violence continues to endanger lives and displace residents in Bawku.
Over recent months, the frequency and intensity of attacks, including sporadic shootings, arson, and home invasions, have significantly escalated. Reports indicate a growing death toll, with many people missing, and a concerning increase in the sophistication of weaponry being used in these attacks.
Recent developments, including targeted mass attacks and the sudden fires set by residents, have intensified the situation.
One such incident involved the residence of Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, who has also been caught up in the unrest.
The youth’s growing frustration has been expressed through such violent actions. Reverend Fordjour stressed that these violent acts highlight the increasing volatility of the situation and growing tensions in the area.
Reverend Fordjour further stated, “The situation in Bawku has reached a breaking point. The growing sophistication of the weapons being used in these attacks is alarming. Questions need to be asked about the sources of these arms and the effectiveness of the government’s measures to curb their proliferation.”
The ongoing unrest has led to heightened fears and frustrations, particularly among the youth. Recent developments, including mass attacks and the torching of properties, reflect the growing volatility in the region.
Reverend Fordjour warned that if tensions continue to go unchecked, it will lead to a cycle of reprisals that will further entrench insecurity in the area.
“The failure to de-escalate tensions has led to a cycle of reprisals. If this continues unchecked, it will further entrench insecurity in the area,” he said.
Bawku’s instability poses not only a local threat but also a wider national and regional security risk due to its strategic location as a border town.
The violence is spreading to neighboring regions, including the northeast and Haifa region, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated response.
The situation in Bawku is further compounded by the impact of the violence on neighboring regions, including the northeast and the Haifa region.
The spread of attacks to these areas underscores the broader national and regional security risks posed by the instability in Bawku.
In addition to the government’s involvement, the Minority is calling on other key stakeholders, including the National Peace Council and traditional leaders, to play a more active role in mediating and resolving the conflict.
“A collaborative approach is needed to restore peace and address the deepening insecurity,” Reverend Fordjour urged, calling for more coordinated efforts in the region.
The consequences of the conflict are far-reaching, with education and healthcare services severely impacted.
Many schools in the affected areas have been forced to close, depriving children of their right to education.
Critical sectors, including healthcare, are also being undermined as teachers, nurses, and other professionals refuse postings to Bawku due to safety concerns.
Essential services are gradually being crippled, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
“This violence is not just a threat to security; it’s crippling the very fabric of the community,” Reverend Fordjour noted, highlighting the widespread disruption to daily life.
The Minority has called for immediate government action to prevent further escalation. “The people of Bawku deserve to live in peace and security,” Reverend Fordjour said. “It is imperative that the government prioritize a sustainable resolution to this crisis before it spirals completely out of control.”
As tensions continue to rise, the urgency for a coordinated and effective response has never been clearer. The government’s next steps will be critical in determining the future stability of Bawku and its surrounding regions.
The Minority has made it clear that the time for action is now.
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