By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a strong warning that it will apply all necessary force to enforce and maintain peace in conflict-prone Bawku and its surrounding areas.
According to GAF, it has shifted from peacekeeping to peace enforcement operations in Bawku due to the “activities of armed elements that have intermittently resulted in violence, reprisal attacks, and innocent deaths.”
The Armed Forces said the situation signals “a dangerous pattern that threatens not only Bawku but also the peace and security of our dear nation.” It has, therefore, pledged to undertake “robust and purposeful operations that will enhance community protection while ensuring sanity returns to the affected areas.”
The enforcement operations will cover Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu, and Zebilla.
GAF cautioned that it will “use all necessary force to restore law and order” and urged all citizens to respect the law and comply with all restrictions.
The military appealed to all well-meaning Ghanaians, especially those in the affected communities, to “cooperate with the security forces.” It further warned that “any attempt at distracting the operations and activities of the force in place, including an attack on security personnel, will be met with an appropriate response.”
The Armed Forces assured the public that it “remains firmly committed and ready to execute its constitutional mandate to ensure the country is peaceful and its citizens are safe.”
The curfew in the affected areas has been revised to 2 p.m. to 6 a.m. and “will be enforced to the letter.”
