Army moves from peacekeeping to enforcement, warns of interference

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has launched full-scale peace enforcement operations in Bawku and surrounding areas following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, in response to renewed violence that has claimed several lives, including a traditional leader and three senior high school students.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the GAF announced that it had moved from peacekeeping to what it described as “robust and purposeful” peace enforcement operations across Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu, and Zebilla.

The military said the decision was triggered by an upsurge in attacks, reprisal killings, and armed activity that pose a threat to national security.

“This transition to peace enforcement has become necessary due to activities of armed elements that have intermittently resulted in violence, reprisal attacks, and innocent deaths, revealing a dangerous pattern that threatens not only Bawku but also the peace and security of our nation,” the statement said.

The shift in military posture follows a string of high-profile killings linked to the Bawku conflict.

On Tuesday, July 22, Naa Abdul-Malik Azenbe, the Ashanti Regional Kusasi Chief and Divisional Chief of Binduri, was shot and killed at his residence in Asawase, Kumasi.

A few days later, on the night of Saturday, July 26, suspected gunmen attacked students in two separate incidents. At Nalerigu Senior High School in the North East Region, two male students, identified by their first names as Lukman and Gideon, were shot dead in their dormitory.

That same night at Bawku Senior High School, 18-year-old final-year student Hakim Kundima was reportedly dragged from his room and killed by unknown assailants.

Security agencies and the National Peace Council have directly linked these incidents to the ongoing Bawku conflict. In response, the government has imposed curfews in Bawku and Nalerigu.

As part of its operations, the GAF has imposed a curfew from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. across the affected areas. All movement and activity during these hours is strictly prohibited. The military has warned that any violations will be met with strict enforcement measures.

“The military will use all necessary force to restore law and order during its operations,” the statement added. It also cautioned residents against interfering with the work of security personnel and warned that any attacks on its officers would attract a measured response.

The statement, signed by Captain (Ghana Navy) A. Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, urged community leaders and residents to support the military’s efforts to restore stability in the region.

The Ghana Armed Forces reiterated its duty under the Constitution to protect the territorial integrity of the country and maintain peace for all law-abiding citizens.