JERAG International has condemned the rising attacks on the Ghana Armed Forces in the Bawku Traditional Area by armed civilians.
These attacks have intensified in recent weeks, with the latest incident occurring on February 10, 2025, resulting in one death and five injuries.
According to JERAG International, these escalating assaults threaten national security, endanger innocent civilians, and undermine public confidence in Ghana’s ability to maintain order in the region.
The organization’s investigation revealed a growing pattern of attacks on military-escorted vehicles from the Bawku township, with three recent incidents including:
– January 6, 2025: A long white TATA bus traveling from Bolgatanga to Bawku was attacked near the Bawku Prisons Service, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to several passengers.
– January 16, 2025: A cargo truck was attacked at Missiga on its way to Bawku from Kulungugu, fortunately with 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 statement read.
“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 is calling 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.
The organization recommends five key actions:
- Urgent Security Assessment: Conduct a thorough review of security vulnerabilities and operational gaps in Bawku, with intelligence-led countermeasures.
- Enhanced Tactical Deployment: Increase troop mobility, surveillance capabilities, and rapid response mechanisms to counter growing threats.
- Public Communication & Reassurance: Provide transparent updates to reassure citizens and curb misinformation that fuels instability.
- Collaborative Security Efforts: Engage local stakeholders, including community leaders, to develop a long-term stabilization plan.
- Accountability & Justice: Launch immediate investigations to identify and prosecute perpetrators of these attacks to deter further violence.
“We urge the government to act swiftly before the situation further deteriorates,” Abu Tia Jambeidu, Executive Director of JERAG International noted.
“We stand in solidarity with Ghana’s military and civilians affected by these violent acts.”
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