Mamprugu Youth Association demands urgent action on fatal attack on women travellers in Bawku

The Mamprugu Youth Association (MAYA) has called for an immediate investigation and the arrest of those behind a deadly attack on women travellers in the Bawku enclave of the Upper East Region.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, April 19, along the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulimakom highway near the police station road, when armed attackers targeted commuters returning from Bolgatanga.

One woman was confirmed dead, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

In a statement issued on Monday, April 20, the Bawku Chapter of MAYA condemned the attack and demanded swift security intervention to prevent further loss of lives.

The group described the incident as “barbaric and cowardice,” warning that the security situation in the area continues to worsen.

“The Mamprugu Youth Association (MAYA), Bawku Chapter, strongly condemns the brutal attack by Kusasi bandits on innocent women,” the statement read in part.

It added that the attack is “yet another painful reminder that the security situation in the Bawku area continues to deteriorate since the collapse of mediation efforts by the Asantehene.”

The association further raised concerns about what it described as the increasing impunity of armed groups along the highway, which has become a key route for commuters.

“It is deeply worrying that armed bandits continue to operate with impunity on this stretch of the road, terrorising innocent commuters particularly women,” MAYA stated.

The group also criticised what it called a lack of urgent response from authorities to the deteriorating security situation in the area.

It is demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators, intensified security patrols along the highway, and decisive action by security agencies to restore order.