The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is charged with the responsibility of formulating and executing National Defence Policies, including peacekeeping, internal and external security, and the total defence of the nation. However, recent allegations that members of the GAF killed seven people while on a mission to maintain order and restore peace in Bawku have raised doubts about its mandate.
In a press release issued on February 2, the GAF detailed multiple instances of violent attacks in the region. It stated that a patrol team sent to investigate the situation at Sabongari General Area had sighted unknown armed men wearing black T-shirts and hoodies. The release further noted that one of the armed men had attempted to attack the soldiers with a cutlass and was disarmed in the process. It also revealed that a local woman with a gunshot wound to her left hand had been taken to Bawku Presbyterian Hospital for medical attention.
The incident raises questions about whether or not GAF is fulfilling its duties. In the past, there have been several cases of military brutality, leaving many injured and some dead. For instance, in Nuaso, military personnel installing meters brutalized citizens who refused to accept the meters. Similarly, in July 2020, military men stormed Tindama, a suburb of the Wa municipality, in search of a colleague’s smartphone and brutalized the residents.
In response to the prevailing situation, security analyst, Dr. Adam Bonaa has described Bawku, the Upper East Region’s capital, as a total war zone. He attributed this phenomenon to the presence of jihadists at the border and called for thorough investigations. He further urged the government to pay attention to conflicts in the area and work to ease the tension between military personnel and civilians.
The GAF’s mission to protect the nation cannot be taken lightly. It is therefore necessary for Ghanaians to earn the trust of the military to enable them to carry out their duties effectively. The government must also ensure that all culprits in the recent incident are brought to justice.
