By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The government has deployed personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to enforce peace in Bawku in the Upper East Region and its environs, the presidency confirmed in a statement on Sunday.
The statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communication, observed that the decision is part of efforts by the government to step up its peacekeeping approach in the area owing to the recent escalation of violence.
“The government of Ghana is stepping up its approach from peacekeeping to peace enforcement in Bawku and other affected areas due to the recent escalation of violence, which could derail the peacebuilding process, said the statement.
“The Ghana Armed Forces have been deployed to maintain law and order, as we intensify curfews to ensure public safety,” added the statement.
The government assured the public that the armed forces would take all necessary measures to protect lives and property in the area.
The government commended the Otumfuo-led mediation team for their efforts in resolving the conflict, which had been ongoing until the recent killings related to the Bawku conflict.
It urged parties involved in the conflict to refrain from violence while the government adopts all necessary measures to ensure the safety of everybody.
“While regretting the inconvenience this peace enforcement intervention may cause to peace-loving people within the affected areas, 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, it further stated.
Bawku and its environs have seen no peace in recent times, with attacks and reprisal attacks of the factions involved in the conflict, with scores of persons being killed.
Two persons, including the Kusasi Chief at Asawase in the Ashanti Region, were shot and killed by unidentified gunmen within less than a week. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Find the statement from the Presidency Communications on the Bawku conflict belwo:
