Albert Kan Dapaah
The Ministry of National Security has responded to criticism over its monthly budget of GH¢6 million for operations in Bawku, describing remarks by the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Mahama Ayariga, as “unfortunate and mistaken.”
The ministry emphasised that the funds are part of its general operational budget and are crucial for maintaining peace in Bawku, despite alternative uses such as enhancing Ghana’s resilience against security threats like terrorism and violent extremism spreading across West Africa.
The ministry, in a statement, expressed concern that Mr. Ayariga’s statements have the potential to misinform citizens, reignite tensions, and endanger the lives of security personnel involved in the operations.
The NDC MP had questioned the allocation of funds to Bawku operations, suggesting alternative uses.
However, the ministry has underscored the importance of prioritising peace and stability in the area, asserting that the situation in Bawku remains a sensitive issue, and it is working to address the root causes of the conflict and promote lasting peace.
According to the ministry, the conflict in Bawku escalated in 2021, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives, displacement of people, and economic disruption.
In response, the ministry established a special operation in February 2023 to maintain peace in Bawku and surrounding areas in the North East Region.
It explained that the monthly budget covers essential operational costs, including fuel supplies for Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other vehicles, food rations for task force personnel, special intelligence operations, and civil-military activities aimed at building societal cohesion and stability in Bawku.
The funds are distributed to participating security and intelligence agencies to support their logistics and personnel involved in the operations, it added.
The ministry emphasised its commitment to sustaining its operations in Bawku to safeguard the overall peace and stability of the country.
The statement also pointed out that the government’s commitment to national security operations aims to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
The conflict in Bawku has been a longstanding issue, with tensions between different ethnic groups leading to periodic outbreaks of violence.
By Ernest Kofi Adu