The Minority in Parliament is calling on the government to immediately address the escalating security crisis in Bawku, warning that the current situation threatens not only local stability but also national security.
The Caucus expressed deep concern over what they describe as a deteriorating security environment, with a growing number of residents feared missing, far more than the official death toll suggests.
At a press briefing on Thursday, members of the Minority decried the recent surge in violence that has seen the torching of homes, including those of two sitting MPs, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Pusiga MP Laadi Ayii Ayamba.
Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, noted that this is the first time the Minority has spoken on a matter outside of the recent controversial “suspicious flights,” emphasizing the urgency of the Bawku conflict.
“The worsening violence, including targeted attacks, arson, and home invasions, is deeply alarming,” Rev. Fordjour stated. “We are receiving disturbing reports that more individuals are missing than the number of reported deaths. The sophistication of the weaponry used raises serious questions about arms proliferation and border security.”
The Minority emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation, calling on the government to recompose the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee and empower traditional leaders, the Peace Council, and the House of Chiefs to intensify mediation efforts.
Former Deputy Defence Minister and Deputy Ranking Member, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, condemned recent reported comments by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), suggesting that individuals involved in the violence who lay down their weapons could be rewarded with security service recruitment.
“If these reports are accurate, the IGP’s comments are not only reckless but could worsen an already volatile situation,” Amankwa-Manu warned. “You don’t incentivize armed conflict by offering state employment to those who take up arms. What message are we sending to the rest of the country?”
Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh also slammed the comments attributed to the IGP, calling them “most unfortunate” and warning of their national ramifications.
“It sets a dangerous precedent. Are we saying that others in different parts of the country should take up arms to earn a spot in the security services? This undermines our national security structure,” Annoh-Dompreh said.
The Minority also criticized the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of politicizing the Bawku crisis when they were in opposition and now failing to act decisively in power.
“They said under their leadership, Bawku is peaceful. But after more than three months in office, the violence has only worsened. The NDC must show leadership and take responsibility,” Annoh-Dompreh added.
While commending the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for leading a mediation effort, the Minority stressed that these efforts must be supported by practical government action, including engagement with local youth and stakeholders to address underlying grievances.
The MPs called for professionalism, fairness, and cultural sensitivity in the response from security agencies. They reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively towards restoring peace in Bawku.
“Our interest is simple..peace, protection of lives, and security. This is a national concern, not a political one,” Rev. Fordjour concluded.
