Escalating attacks on Ghana Armed Forces in Bawku

JERAG International strongly condemns the rising attacks on the Ghana Armed Forces in the Bawku Traditional Area by armed civilians, which have intensified in recent weeks. The latest attack, on February 10, 2025, marked the third assault on military personnel escorting passengers this year.

These escalating assaults not only threaten national security but also endanger innocent civilians and undermine public confidence in Ghana’s ability to maintain order in the region.

Investigation made by JERAG International indicates that the growing pattern of attacks on military-escorted vehicles from the Bawku township is a common phenomenon, and the most recent ones include:

January 6, 2025 – A long white TATA bus traveling from Bolgatanga to Bawku was attacked near the Bawku Prisons Service. The driver was killed, and several passengers sustained injuries.

January 16, 2025 – A cargo truck was attacked at Missiga on its way to Bawku from Kulungugu. Fortunately, there were no human casualties.

February 10, 2025 – A bus traveling from Bawku to Bolgatanga was attacked at Bazua, resulting in one death and five injuries.

These incidents demonstrate a clear escalation in armed banditry and targeted assaults on military-escorted vehicles. The continued exposure of the Ghana Armed Forces to such attacks raises serious concerns about operational effectiveness, intelligence coordination, and broader security strategy in the region.

JERAG International calls on the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) and the government to take urgent and decisive measures to restore the integrity and strength of the Ghana Armed Forces in Bawku.

We recommend:

1. Urgent Security Assessment – CDS to conduct a thorough review of security vulnerabilities and operational gaps in Bawku, with intelligence-led countermeasures.
2. Enhanced Tactical Deployment – Increase troop mobility, surveillance capabilities, and rapid response mechanisms to counter growing threats.
3. Public Communication & Reassurance – Provide transparent updates to reassure citizens and curb misinformation that fuels instability.
4. Collaborative Security Efforts – Engage local stakeholders, including community leaders, to develop a long-term stabilization plan.
5. Accountability & Justice – Launch immediate investigations to identify and prosecute perpetrators of these attacks to deter further violence.

JERAG International stands in solidarity with Ghana’s military and civilians affected by these violent acts. We urge the government to act swiftly before the situation further deteriorates.

Signed.
Abu Tia Jambeidu, PhD.
Executive Director, JERAG International.