The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced a change in its operational protocols in Bawku in the Upper East region from peacekeeping to peace enforcement.This is due to the escalating activities of armed groups, which have led to repeated violence, reprisal attacks, and civilian casualties in the area.A strict 2:00 pm to 6:00 am curfew has been reimposed in Bawku following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama," says a statement signed by the Acting Director General, Public Relations of the GAF, Captain (Ghana Navy) Veronica Adzo Arhin.It explained that peace enforcement operations would involve "robust and purposeful" military activity designed to enhance community protection and reestablish stability.The statement added that operations under the peace enforcement phase would cover Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu, Zebilla, and nearby communities."All necessary force would be used to ensure law and order," the GAF said and warned that any attacks on security personnel or attempts to disrupt operations would be met with appropriate responses.Captain Arhin emphasised that GAF would use "all necessary force" to achieve these objectives and warned against any attempts to disrupt operations or target security personnel.The Armed Forces, therefore, called on all citizens, particularly those in the affected areas, to comply with the curfew and cooperate with security personnel on the ground."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 said.Tensions in the region have flared intermittently over the past year, with sporadic outbreaks of violence escalating into broader insecurity.
The government hopes the current enforcement measures will break the cycle of conflict and bring lasting peace to the affected communities. BY TIMES REPORTER
