The government has called on all the people in the Bawku chieftaincy conflict to lay down their arms and cease firing at one another. The Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, who made the call, reiterated the government's commitment to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the residents of Bawku and its environs.Addressing a news conference in Accra yesterday, Mr Asamoah Boateng said security agencies had been directed to enforce the curfew strictly and maintain law and order.He added that the government was guided by its responsibility to protect lives and property and, above all, to enforce law and order to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. "Residents are, therefore, urged to comply with the directive, and to cooperate fully with the security agencies to restore peace and normalcy in the area," the minister appealed.Shooting incidentsHis appeal comes in the wake of heightened security concerns in the area following a deadly gunfire attack on Sunday, October 27, 2024.Unidentified gunmen opened fire on travellers along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi, close to Walewale.In the tragic incident, a number of people were killed while two vehicles were set ablaze, escalating public fear and increasing calls for government intervention.
In all, 16 people have been confirmed dead.To address the unrest, the government imposed a 6 a.m.
to 6 p.m.
curfew on Bawku and its environs on Monday, October 28.The latest clashes were as a result of the return of a rival chief to the area.The new developments have brought the once vibrant economic hub to its knees as traders and residents are unable to carry out their activities with ease.Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces have assured the public that they are working to bring the security situation in Bawku, its surrounding areas and channel along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway under control.A statement issued last Monday said aside from the military deployment in Bawku and its environs, there was a joint police and military deployment along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway to ensure security and to manage vehicular traffic.TrustMr Asamoah Boateng said some level of mistrust had crept in among the people in Bawku since last week, but appealed to all sides that they should continue to maintain the trust in the government and the Minister responsible for Chieftaincy."Government, through my Ministry and that of my colleagues and institutions will listen to you and act with impartiality and in a firm manner to build and maintain peace in Bawku and its environs as well as any other part of the country," the minister stated. No conspiracy theoriesHe, therefore, appealed to all sides to stop the conspiracy theories, blame games and keep calm to allow the government to deal with the security and chieftaincy matters.