Bawku conflict continuing because gov’t has decided to endorse impunity, not interested in enforcing the laws

Mr. Sulemana Braimah

Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Mr. Sulemana Braimah has shared his view on why the decades-old conflict in Bawku in the Upper East Region persists.

Last week, there were renewed clashes when a shooting incident resulted in the death of three people.

In a post on his social media today, Sulemana Braimah has accused government of endorsing impunity, arguing that the Bawku conflict has not been addressed because government is not interested in enforcing the laws of Ghana in the area.

“The conflict is continuing because the gov't is not interested in enforcing the laws of Ghana in Bawku and basically endorsing impunity,” Sulemana Braimah said.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has refuted allegations that its personnel killed some civilians in the recent clashes in Bawku in the Upper East Region.

This follows the report that soldiers deployed on Operation Maida Buuri to restore calm in the conflict-prone area have killed 3 innocent Kusasi youth at Sabongari, a suburb of Bawku.

Reports also alleged that the victims were initially held in custody by troops and subsequently executed.

It was further reported that the Missiga Assemblyman personally approached the Bawku Detachment at about 1930hrs to negotiate the release of the victims.

In a press release from the Ghana Armed Forces issued on Saturday, January 20, it said, “GAF wishes to categorically state that these allegations are false and unfounded.”

The release noted that as much as GAF regrets the demise of the assailants, the escalating violence in Bawku is unfortunate.