The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) are actively monitoring developments and are ready to limit any escalation, according to Minister of Defense Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who has described the situation in Bawku and the surrounding districts as hazardous.
He said that the military has put strong systems in place in Bawku, Alavanyo, and other areas to maintain peace and save lives while giving an update on the defense sector on Monday, July 21.
“We acknowledge that the situation in Bawku and Alavanyo and their immediate surroundings remains volatile.”
“The Ghana Armed Forces is actively monitoring and has put in place robust mechanisms to ensure any potential escalation is swiftly contained in the interest of the people and long-lasting resolution of the conflict through dialogue,” he said.
“In doing so, we shall always separate crimes from traditional matters, enabling us to deal appropriately and legally with criminals who foment trouble in the name of chieftaincy conflict,” he said.
Dr. Omane Boamah emphasized that criminal elements that take advantage of the dispute for their own benefit will face consequences in line with the government’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.
The remarks made by the defense minister coincide with ongoing tensions in the Upper East, where conflicts involving ethnicity and chieftaincy have resulted in insecurity and displacement.
In order to maintain peace in the impacted neighborhoods, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to using both law enforcement and dialogue as a dual policy.
Source: newsthemegh.com