The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a stern warning that it will respond decisively to any attacks on military personnel enforcing the new curfew in Bawku, which restricts movement from 2 pm to 6 am.
The GAF emphasised that it will take all necessary measures to protect its personnel, and pointed out that anyone considering hostile actions should desist immediately. This statement was made known by the Acting Director General, Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, Navy Captain Veronica Arhin.
GAF appealed to the people of Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu, Zebilla and its environs to cooperate with the security forces as any attempt at distracting the operations and activities of the forces in place, including attack on security personnel, will be met with appropriate response.
This follows the killing of a soldier with the 11 Mechanised Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in the Upper East Region, who was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Bawku on Monday, March 17, 2025.
The victim, a Warrant Officer Class I (WOI), whose name was withheld, was said to have been shot multiple times before his death at 11 am, which occurred between Avengo and Kpalore, where he was stationed.
The Ghana Armed Forces additionally stated that following the directive by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, John Dramani Mahama, it has, with immediate effect, transitioned from peacekeeping to peace enforcement operations in Bawku and its environs.
“This transition to peace enforcement has become necessary due to the activities of armed elements that have intermittently resulted in violence, reprisal attacks, and innocent deaths, highlighting a dangerous pattern that threatens not only Bawku but also the peace and security of our dear nation,” it stated.
The statement added that the peace enforcement phase will see the military undertake robust and purposeful operations that would enhance community protection, while ensuring sanity returns to affected areas.
“The military will use all necessary force to restore law and order during its operations, and calls on all citizens to adhere to law and order, including all agreed restrictions, during the period. The renewed curfew period in the affected areas is from 2 pm to 6 am and will be enforced to the letter. The Ghana Armed Forces remains firmly committed and in readiness to execute its constitutional mandate to ensure that the country is peaceful and its citizens are safe,” the statement read.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke