Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, has assured that government will take steps to reconstruct the statue of the Zugran of the Kusaug Traditional Area in Bawku which was destroyed during recent conflicts.
Addressing the nation on Sunday, July 21, 2025, at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House, Dr. Boamah described the move as part of efforts to foster peace and reconciliation in the area while investigations into the incident continue to ensure justice for all affected parties.
“It is with confidence and pride that I state that to a very large extent, Ghana is safe, stable, peaceful, and ready to experience a golden age under the reset agenda of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. We have kept our nation safe and stable, notwithstanding the irregular transfer of thousands of rounds of military ammunition in 2024 from the Ghana Armed Forces to the National Security Outfit, ammunitions which have since not been accounted for,” he said.
Dr. Boamah acknowledged that while Ghana remains largely safe, the security situation in Bawku and Alavanyo remains volatile. He emphasised that the Ghana Armed Forces continues to actively monitor developments in these areas and has put in place robust mechanisms to swiftly contain any potential escalation to ensure a peaceful and long-lasting resolution through dialogue.
“In doing so, we shall always separate crime from traditional matters, enabling us to deal appropriately and legally with criminals who ferment trouble in the name of chieftaincy conflicts,” he noted.
The statue of Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, was pulled down and set on fire on Sunday, July 13, amid heightened tensions stemming from the long-running chieftaincy conflict between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities.
The Defence Minister assured residents that government remains committed to ensuring that peace returns permanently to Bawku and its surroundings through sustained dialogue, engagement with traditional leaders, and firm enforcement of law and order.
Beyond the Bawku issue, Dr. Boamah highlighted the significant role of the Ghana Armed Forces in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity through coordinated land, maritime, and air operations. He cited recent multinational military exercises such as Exercise African Lion organised jointly with the United States Army, Southern Eastern Task Force for Africa, and Special Operations Command Africa, aimed at enhancing the capacity of troops to tackle emerging security threats including violent extremism, terrorism, and transnational crimes.
He further disclosed that the Ghana Navy has intensified its patrols to protect offshore oil and gas installations such as the Jubilee, TEN (Tweneboa, Enyenra, and Ntomme), and Sankofa oil fields, helping to reduce canoe incursions and ensuring the continuous production of oil and gas for national development. The Navy is also conducting riverine patrols to protect vital inland installations such as the Akosombo and Bui dams, thereby safeguarding power supply and reducing accidents on river bodies.
Dr. Boamah also noted that the Ghana Navy has enhanced protection for the West Africa Gas Pipeline to guard against theft and sabotage while strengthening security within Ghana’s ports to support 24-hour port operations through robust anchorage and harbor patrols.
He revealed that leadership engagements between Ghana and Togo’s navies, coupled with operational-level harmonisation, have helped prevent the escalation of the Ghana-Togo maritime boundary dispute.
Additionally, he mentioned capacity building efforts such as specialised training programmes facilitated by the Navy for narcotics control personnel, focusing on interdiction techniques and inter-agency coordination to combat drug trafficking and related transnational crimes.
The Defence Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to maintaining peace, enhancing security, and fostering economic growth across the country, especially in conflict-prone areas.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
