The Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly condemned the alleged military brutalities inflicted on civilians in Bawku on the night of Tuesday, 18th March 2025.
The Majority Leader described the reported actions of the military as unacceptable and deeply concerning, particularly as they involved women, children, and the elderly.
“I regret the accidental killing of a military personnel and I condemn that dastardly act. However, ransacking homes, beating innocent civilians, and holding the entire town to ransom cannot be justified. The rule of law must prevail, and those responsible for maintaining order should never engage in such acts of violence.”
In a passionate statement, Ayariga vowed to demand full accountability from the military regarding their conduct.
While acknowledging the tragic loss of the soldier, he insisted that retaliatory attacks on innocent civilians were unjustifiable.
The Bawku Central legislator emphasized that security forces must act with professionalism and caution, especially in volatile conflict zones.
He argued that excessive military responses often escalate tensions and erode public trust in the authorities meant to protect them.
He called on military leadership and local authorities to collaborate in investigating the killing of the soldier rather than resorting to what he described as indiscriminate aggression against civilians.
The alleged violent crackdown followed the killing of a military officer by an unknown gunman. Reports emerging from Bawku indicate that several residents suffered injuries, with some receiving treatment for physical assaults allegedly perpetrated by security personnel.
Some eyewitness accounts claim that security forces conducted house-to-house searches, arrested individuals without justification, and physically assaulted some residents.
The alleged military operation has further heightened fears in a community already grappling with longstanding ethnic tensions and security concerns.
The Bawku Central MP extended his condolences to the bereaved family of the fallen soldier and urged all parties to exercise restraint.
He expressed disappointment that his earlier appeals for the military to act with caution were ignored.
“I regret that the military command did not heed my appeal not to react violently, and they went ahead to do what they did. We need to work together to restore peace.”
The Bawku conflict, which has deep historical and ethnic roots, continues to pose a significant security challenge.
Tensions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups, fueled by chieftaincy disputes, land ownership disagreements, political rivalries, and economic hardships, have led to recurrent violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property.
Despite multiple government interventions—including dialogue sessions, curfews, and the deployment of security personnel—sporadic clashes continue to disrupt peace efforts.
The latest developments have renewed concerns about the government’s strategy in managing conflicts in the area.
The Majority Leader reiterated his commitment to advocating for peace and ensuring that justice is served for the victims of both the initial attack and the military’s response.
He called for an independent investigation into the alleged abuses and emphasized that the military must be held accountable for any violations of human rights.
Looking ahead, Ayariga expressed hope that all parties involved in the Bawku conflict would trust in the peace mediation efforts led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II.
“I have confidence that all sides will repose trust in His Majesty the Asantehene to bring finality to the situation in Bawku and end the violence we are experiencing.”
The MP’s condemnation of the military’s actions signals a broader demand for accountability and underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the Bawku crisis.
Stakeholders, including traditional authorities, civil society groups, and the government, will need to work collaboratively to restore lasting peace and prevent further escalations in the already fragile town.