Government Security Spokesperson, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has expressed no surprise at the recent outbreak of violence in Bawku, pointing to a chieftaincy conflict as the root of unrest rather than a terrorist threat.
Speaking on ABC in the Morning, Dr. Boakye-Danquah clarified, “What is happening in Bawku is not a threat of terrorism. What is happening is a clear issue of chieftaincy.”
He explained that two Bawku Nabaas had been installed over the years — one deemed legitimate, the other not. Dr. Boakye-Danquah stated that government intelligence anticipated such tensions following the reappearance of the “illegal Naaba” in the community.
The resurgence of violence has led to deadly attacks on travellers. Over the weekend, gunmen reportedly intercepted vehicles on the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi, stopping drivers and passengers in a search for targets.
During the incident, eight lives were tragically lost, and two vehicles were set on fire. A survivor of the blockade described the horror, recounting, “I was travelling from Sunyani to Paga.
Upon reaching Walewale, people had mounted roadblocks and were searching for individuals to kill. The incident lasted for more than an hour, yet security did not respond.”
In response, the Ghana Police Service has ramped up security measures, both in Bawku and along critical highways, pledging an increased security presence to prevent further bloodshed.
A police statement promised a joint Police and Military force would monitor the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway to protect lives and manage traffic effectively.
The Police Service stressed its commitment to re-establishing “peace, security, law and order in Bawku and its environs.”
Meanwhile, government officials have moved to assure the public of ongoing efforts to restore stability.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah noted that law enforcement agencies, including the Interior Ministry, had also enforced curfew guidelines to control issues in the area.
“But we are very clear with the directives that have been given by the police service to ensure that peace, security, and stability remain within the environs of Bawku,” he affirmed.
