According to Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, the Chief of the Army Staff for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), members of both the GAF and other security agencies are resolutely dedicated to reestablishing tranquillity and safety in Bawku, located in the Upper East Region.
He emphasised that the GAF and other agencies have been working towards resolving the crisis in Bawku, which has been ongoing between two opposing sides. This effort will continue to establish lasting peace for the people’s benefit.
While on an official visit to Bawku last Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Major General Gbetanu interacted with the media and discussed his interactions with chiefs and military personnel deployed to maintain law and order.
During his initial journey outside Accra since his appointment, the excursion allowed him to visit Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the Overlord of Kusaug, and his elders. It also provided a chance to evaluate the current security and operational state on-site.
During the visit, Major General Gbetanu, along with Brigadier General Frank Nartey Tei, General Officer Commanding Northern Command, and Lieutenant Colonel Kakra Sasu-Antwi, Commander Rear of the 11 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, stopped by an outpost in Kpalore. This particular outpost was where a military officer had tragically lost their life recently.
In light of recent events, he shared concern regarding the increasing severity of the ongoing conflict. This has resulted in numerous deaths, including those of security forces attempting to quell the violence. In his words, “The GAF condemns all the killings and the cowardly acts in no uncertain terms”.
He explained that the personnel were diligently enforcing the curfew, conducting patrols, safeguarding key facilities, and deterring any further clashes to address the ongoing hostilities and prevent further violence.
While acknowledging that violence is not the solution, he urged all parties involved in the conflict to put down their weapons and adopt peaceful methods of resolving their disputes for all benefit.
Major-General Gbetanu reassured that the GAF remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and properties and will continue working towards establishing a peaceful and secure environment.
The Army Chief warned those causing unrest in Bawku, stating that their actions would not be tolerated. Any violent acts against civilians or soldiers would be regarded as acts of terrorism and dealt with accordingly.
He emphasised that such actions would not be tolerated and the military would respond with full force and determination. He made it clear that there would be no refuge for those who resort to violence.
“I have directed the personnel to undertake deliberate and targeted searches to retrieve weapons in the possession of the people”.
The speaker urged Naba Azoka II to encourage the community, particularly the young adults, to calmly collaborate with security forces to restore Bawku’s former prestige.
Through the Pusiga Naba, Naba Tambiisi-baaluk-Kunwiak Ibrahim Aguuri I, Naba Azoka II expressed appreciation for Major General Gbetanu’s visit to engage with essential figures in the pursuit of peace in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
He expressed worry over the methods security personnel use when accompanying residents who are leaving town. He requested that this practice be conducted in a way that does not hinder other drivers from using the road.
The speaker expressed sorrow over the fact that certain individuals are harmed and even lose their lives during escort activities in the town. They also commended the security personnel for their role in promoting tranquillity and resolving conflicts in Bawku.
Major General Gbetanu responded by assuring him that the escort operation would be carefully reviewed and carried out in a manner that prioritised the safety of the people involved.
