In response to the intensifying violence in Bawku and along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway, the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces have taken substantial measures to restore stability and reassure public safety.
The resurgence of violence in Bawku, tied to long-standing chieftaincy disputes, was reignited by the recent return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a rival chief who had been exiled. His reappearance led to escalated tensions and violent confrontations among factions, resulting in significant loss of life. This conflict has spilled over onto the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway, where armed assailants reportedly mounted roadblocks, especially around Gbimsi, targeting travellers from Bawku. These ambushes claimed the lives of eight individuals, with vehicles set ablaze, raising considerable safety concerns for the public.
To address the crisis, joint police and military forces have been deployed to Bawku and the highway, focusing on maintaining law and order, ensuring safe passage for travellers, and managing vehicular movement. Security personnel are present along the highway to prevent further incidents and protect travellers.
In an official statement, security agencies urged the public to remain calm, assuring them that significant efforts are underway to bring peace to the region. The Ghana Police Service reiterated its commitment to upholding safety, order, and protection for communities in Bawku and along the critical Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale corridor.