President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the renewed wave of violence in Bawku, describing the recent killings of students as deeply disturbing and a calculated attempt to sabotage ongoing peace efforts in the area.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura BII-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, at the Jubilee House, the President expressed dismay at the deteriorating security situation.
He emphasized that the current state of affairs—where students are being killed in classrooms and public servants are fleeing for safety—is unacceptable.
“We cannot accept this current situation where students are shot in school and killed. We can’t accept the current situation where teachers and public officers have all run away from Bawku because they are afraid for their lives,” President Mahama stated, adding that the recent violence risks undoing the progress made through dialogue.
The President noted that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who has been leading mediation efforts between the feuding Kusasi and Mamprusi factions, has made significant headway.
However, he said the resurgence of violence appears to be the handiwork of individuals bent on derailing the process.
“Otumfuo has kept me updated on the progress of the peace talks. We are very close to a breakthrough, which makes these latest attacks all the more troubling,” he said.
In response to the worsening security, President Mahama announced a shift in the military’s role in Bawku—from peacekeeping to peace enforcement—signalling a firmer approach to dealing with armed elements destabilizing the area.
The President also extended his call for peace to other conflict-hit zones, particularly Nkwanta, urging all communities to reject violence and embrace unity.
Let us give peace a chance, but as the army has announced, I have directed the army to move from peacekeeping to peace enforcement, which means they are going to be a bit more robust with anybody who is involved in criminality.
“Let us give peace a chance, not only in Bawku but in Nkwanta and all the other places where we are currently suffering conflic,” he added.
