Breaking News: Military Rampage in Bawku Claims Lives Amid Escalating Insecurity

Breaking News: Military Rampage in Bawku Claims Lives Amid Escalating Insecurity

Bawku, Ghana — In a shocking turn of events, military personnel went on a rampage in Bawku today, reportedly burning houses and opening fire on civilians. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals and left several others injured. This marks the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued the region, further undermining public confidence in the military’s capacity to ensure security and protect lives.

This tragedy comes against a backdrop of escalating violence and insecurity in the Bawku area, where attacks on civilians and their vehicles under military escort have become alarmingly frequent since November 2021. Documented incidents reveal a troubling pattern of ambushes and killings, including attacks on both private and commercial vehicles, with casualties extending to locals and foreign nationals from Togo and Burkina Faso.

A Disturbing Timeline of Violence
• 21 December 2021: A Military Intelligence vehicle was attacked and burned at the Sabongari Police Checkpoint.

28 May 2022: An NPP convoy with military escorts was ambushed near Bawku Police Station.

11 May 2022: An ambulance carrying patients under military escort was attacked.

31 October 2024: A vehicle on the Misiga-Kulungungu road was ambushed, leaving two dead and several injured.

20 November 2024: A bus on the Bolgatanga–Bawku highway was attacked, injuring three passengers.

23 December 2024: A bus on the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakuom highway under military escort was ambushed.

6 January 2025: A passenger bus on the Bolgatanga–Bawku route was attacked, resulting in two deaths, including the driver, and several injuries.

A Crisis of Confidence
The repeated nature of these attacks, despite military presence, has led to growing mistrust in the armed forces. Citizens question the military’s ability to provide effective protection. The silence of authorities on these incidents has only exacerbated fears, leaving many to wonder how such negligence persists unchecked.

Broader Implications for National Security
Experts warn that the ongoing violence poses a serious threat to national stability. Reports by the Clingendael Institute in 2024 highlighted how ethnic tensions have been exploited by violent extremist groups, such as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), to recruit in Ghana’s Upper West and Upper East regions.

The proliferation of sophisticated weapons and the lack of accountability threaten to weaken trust in state institutions and create fertile ground for extremism.

Local Concerns and Calls for Action
Travelers and residents in Bawku have voiced concerns over the military’s operational tactics, including prolonged vehicle searches that force late-night travels, further endangering lives. Many have questioned the priority given to property searches over protecting lives, calling for a fair and efficient system to balance security and public safety.

The Way Forward
The people of Bawku are demanding urgent action from national security agencies, policymakers, and international stakeholders. They urge a re-evaluation of military strategies and greater accountability to prevent further loss of life.

“As citizens and not spectators, the people of Bawku have endured enough,” a local leader stated. “Continued inaction could have dire repercussions for public confidence and national stability.”

As tensions rise, the need for decisive intervention grows more pressing. The time to act is now before the situation spirals further out of control.

Source: Abu Tia