Security analyst Prof Kwesi Aning has criticised the government’s handling of the Bawku conflict, calling the current response weak and ineffective.
His remarks follow a recent incident in the Binduri area of the Upper East region, leading to the death of three people, including two young police officers.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Prof Aning expressed deep concern about the government’s passive approach to the escalating violence.
He suggested that instead of taking decisive action, the authorities appear to be hoping that the situation will resolve itself without intervention.
“I am convinced that we are only pussyfooting, hoping that the crisis will somehow resolve itself. But it won’t,” he warned, underscoring the urgent need for a more proactive strategy.
The recent killings serve as a stark reminder of the growing dangers in the area. Armed groups have become increasingly bold, and the professor noted that the widespread availability of weapons and ammunition is complicating efforts to control the situation.
“Every single day, those holding the guns are becoming more emboldened. There is an abundance of weapons and ammunition. The more power they feel they have, the more difficult it will be to regain control,” Prof Aning cautioned.
Prof Aning highlighted that the Bawku conflict, initially rooted in ethnic tensions and chieftaincy disputes, is no longer confined to local issues.
He warned that if the violence continues unchecked, it could have far-reaching consequences, destabilizing the entire region.
“This is not just a Ghanaian problem, it is increasingly becoming a West African problem,” he stressed, calling for immediate, coordinated intervention to prevent the violence from spreading further.
With lives being lost and daily life disrupted, the professor concluded with a call for a strong, coordinated national response.
“Hoping that the crisis will go away on its own is not just unrealistic, it is dangerous,” he said, urging the government to take swift action to restore peace and prevent the situation from worsening.
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