John Dramani Mahama, the former president of Ghana and leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed sadness at the news of three deaths in Bawku amid escalating tensions.
In a Facebook post, he acknowledged the difficulties the military encounters in attempting to maintain peace in Bawku. “While I recognize that our security services face the difficult task of securing peace in the Bawku area, the military must work hand in hand with the police to provide safety and security in the Bawku municipality and across the nation.”
On January 12, a 40-year-old Mamprusi man named Issah Halidu was killed in Bawku, and on January 17, unidentified shooters attacked members of the public once more, leaving two dead and four injured.
Mr. Mahama is thus urging the military in Bawku to remember their responsibility to protect civilians and restore peace. “As a former Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, I urge the military personnel to remember their duty to protect the people and uphold the peace.”
He also urged the locals of Bawku to work together to promote and solidify peace for the municipality to grow positively.
Find below, the post by Mr. Mahama on Facebook:
I am deeply saddened and disturbed by recent developments in the Bawku municipality and the killing of three men, as confirmed by soldiers from the Ghana Armed Forces.
While I recognize that our security services face the difficult task of securing peace in the Bawku area, the military must work hand in hand with the police to provide safety and security in the Bawku municipality and across the nation.
As a former Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, I urge the military personnel to remember their duty to protect the people and uphold the peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time, even as I call upon the people of Bawku to endeavor to promote and consolidate peace to enable the positive development of the municipality of Bawku.
Let us all work together to ensure justice is served and peace is restored in Bawku.
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