Security Analyst Professor Kwesi Aning has described the renewed conflict in Bawku and enclaves as a guerilla style by rival factions, making it increasingly difficult for the military to enforce peace effectively.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Monday, July 28, Prof. Aning said while the government has intensified military operations to address the resurgence of violence in Bawku, the real challenge lies in the evolving nature of the conflict itself.
He observed that various groups involved in the fighting are adopting unconventional warfare techniques, including ambushes and hit-and-run attacks, which complicate standard military peace enforcement strategies.
“The shift from Peacekeeping to peace enforcement is because there is almost no police presence on the ground so we need to keep boots on the ground and increase the firepower,” he said.
“But the question is the tactics being used now are guerrilla tactics, as in from the multiple factions – so who are we going to enforce the peace with?”
Prof. Aning acknowledged the military’s role in stabilizing the region but emphasized the need for public education on the role of the army in both peacekeeping and peace enforcement efforts.
“…the army can and will do the job. But I think the army PR directorate must start and education campaign on what peacekeeping is,” he stated.
His remarks follow the recent escalation in Bawku after the killing of Mohammed Imoro Hakim Kundimah, a final-year student of Bawku Senior High School, on Saturday, July 26. His death, reportedly in retaliation for the earlier killing of a young man believed to be Kusaasi, has further inflamed ethnic tensions.
In response, the government has imposed a strict 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew starting Sunday, July 27, and announced the evacuation of students from Bawku, Nalerigu, and surrounding communities.
A statement signed by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed the deployment of the Ghana Armed Forces to maintain public order and protect civilians.
Residents have been urged to remain calm, avoid acts of violence, and cooperate fully with security personnel.
The government also assured families that all necessary steps are being taken to guarantee the safety of students and restore calm to the volatile region.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
