The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has initiated a full-scale peace enforcement operation in Bawku and surrounding communities following a wave of renewed violence that claimed the lives of some students in their campuses over the weekend.
Gunmen reportedly stormed campuses in Bawku and Nalerigu, indiscriminately opening fire in what appears to be a continuation of long-standing ethnic and chieftaincy tensions in the area.
The brazen attacks have triggered widespread fear, disrupted education, and pushed the government to adopt a tougher stance.
President John Dramani Mahama, expressing grave concern over the escalating violence, directed the military to move beyond peacekeeping and take on a more assertive peace enforcement role.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 30, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed it had commenced peace enforcement operations in Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu, Zebilla, and surrounding areas.
The statement emphasized that troops will now carry out “robust and purposeful operations” using the full extent of military force to restore calm.
It warned that any interference with its operations — including attacks on soldiers — would be met with swift and proportional force.
The military further urged residents to cooperate with the security agencies and strictly observe the revised curfew hours, now set from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., as part of broader efforts to de-escalate tensions.
“Ghana Armed Forces operations during this period will be conducted in areas to include Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu and Zebilla. This peace enforcement phase will see the Military undertake robust and purposeful operations that would enhance community protection, while ensuring sanity returns to affected areas.”
“The military will use all necessary force to restore law and order during its operations and call on all citizens to adhere to law and order including all agreed restrictions during the period. The renewed curfew period of the affected areas is from 2pm to 6am and will be enforced to the letter.
GAF reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and upholding national security, calling on community leaders and all well-meaning citizens to support the enforcement drive.
Read below the statement
