Ghana Armed Forces seizing illegal weapons from bandits in Bawku

The Ghana Armed Forces Joint Task Force in Bawku has embarked on a major intelligence-led cordon and search operation aimed at rooting out armed bandits and seizing illegal weapons in the conflict-prone municipality.

The operation, which took place in the early hours of Friday, August 1, was led by the Task Force Commander, Colonel Rosslyn Foli Atiogbe, in collaboration with Lieutenant Colonel Kakra Sasu-Antwi, Commander Rear of the 11 Mechanised Battalion, and other senior officers.

According to the military, the exercise was meticulously planned and executed based on actionable intelligence pointing to suspected hideouts of criminal elements believed to be behind recent violence in the area.

This latest intervention follows a resurgence of conflict in Bawku, which recently claimed the lives of three Senior High School students. In response to the escalating insecurity, the Ghana Armed Forces have significantly bolstered their presence in the municipality as part of efforts to restore peace and protect civilians.

Over 200 military personnel have been deployed within Bawku, with an additional 200 troops positioned strategically across the Upper East Region to reinforce security and intensify patrols.

During a working visit to the area on 30th July 2025, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication to peace enforcement.

He reaffirmed the Military High Command’s unwavering commitment to the ongoing operation. He emphasised that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure lasting peace in Bawku and its surrounding areas.

“We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to restore calm. The safety and security of the people of Bawku and the Upper East Region remain a top priority,” Major General Gbetanu stated.

He further assured the public that the operations would be carried out in full compliance with human rights protocols. He urged troops to maintain the highest standards of professionalism in the execution of their duties.

Last week, the government deployed the Ghana Armed Forces for peace enforcement operations in Bawku following recent killings that threaten to derail ongoing peacebuilding efforts in the conflict zone.

A press statement signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced the new approach, citing the need for drastic action to protect lives and property in the conflict zone.

“We assure the public that the Ghana Armed Forces will take all necessary measures to protect lives and property,” the statement said.

The government commended His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for mediating the conflict and appreciated all stakeholders supporting the peace process.

According to the statement, the Otumfuo mediation, with assistance from Nayiri and Zugraana, had almost brought finality to the conflict until recent killings necessitated the drastic peace enforcement measures.

“The Otumfuo mediation, with the genuine help of Nayiri and Zugraana, had almost brought finality to the conflict until the very recent killings, which have necessitated drastic actions to protect all in the interests of the greater good,” the statement read.

The government has urged all parties to refrain from violence and support the peace process, while advising residents to cooperate with the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure peace is fully restored.

The administration acknowledged that the peace enforcement intervention may cause inconvenience to peace-loving people within the affected areas, but emphasised its commitment to restoring stability.

“The Government of Ghana remains committed to restoring peace and stability in Bawku and other affected areas and is taking every necessary measure to ensure the safety and security of all residents, including students,” it said.

The shift to peace enforcement represents an escalation in the government’s response to the Bawku chieftaincy conflict, which has persisted despite various mediation efforts.

The enhanced military presence and intensified curfews signal the government’s determination to end the violence that has disrupted life in the area and threatened the broader peace process.

The Ghana Armed Forces later announced that following a directive from President Mahama, its operations in Bawku and its surrounding communities had transitioned from peacekeeping to peace enforcement.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 29, the GAF said this shift, which takes immediate effect, is in direct response to persistent acts of violence and reprisal attacks by armed groups, which have led to the loss of innocent lives and a growing threat to the peace and security of the nation.

“This transition to peace enforcement has become necessary due to activities of armed elements that have intermittently resulted in violence, reprisal attacks and innocent deaths, highlighting a dangerous pattern that threatens not only Bawku but also the peace and security of our dear nation,” the statement noted.

According to GAF, the peace enforcement phase will involve the military undertaking robust and purposeful operations that will enhance community protection, while ensuring sanity returns to affected areas.

The statement emphasised that the military will use all necessary force to restore law and order during its operations.

It urged all citizens to adhere to the law and order, including all agreed-upon restrictions during this period, as well as the renewed curfew from 2 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Residents of Bawku and neighbouring areas have been urged to cooperate with security personnel as the operations intensify. The Armed Forces warned that any form of interference with military activities or attacks on personnel will attract swift and decisive responses.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to executing its constitutional mandate of ensuring the safety of all citizens and Ghana’s peace.

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