Former Defence Minister and Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, has strongly cautioned against what he describes as the government’s drift toward militarization in handling the Bawku conflict.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, Nitiwul pushed back against assertions that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) are engaged in peacekeeping operations in the troubled enclave, stating emphatically that Ghana has never conducted internal peacekeeping in its history.
According to Nitiwul, the situation in Bawku should not be managed under the framework of “peace enforcement,” which he explained involves the direct use of military force. “Peace enforcement means you are going to use military force,” he stated.
“So I will urge government to withdraw that statement and tell the people exactly what they want to do, because the conflict in Bawku is spreading,” he warned.
He stressed that the priority should instead be the prompt release of funds and logistical support to commanders already deployed to the region.
“Release funds to the commanders on the ground, so they can do the job,” he urged.
Nitiwul’s comments come at a time when tensions in Bawku and nearby areas continue to escalate, with growing public concern over the lack of clear communication from government on the role of security forces in the area.
His remarks prompted a sharp response from the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, who called for restraint and sensitivity in discussing the issue.
Ayariga, who is also the Majority Leader, urged Parliament to avoid politicising the protracted conflict.
“Let’s not politicise Bawku,” he pleaded. “I beg you, where we are in Bawku, I don’t think we should discuss it in here [Parliament],” he added. Ayariga noted that the Bawku conflict, which dates back to 1957, should be approached with maturity and not be reduced to a political blame game.
