'A standoff with police is a dangerous new trend' - Minority on security forces attacks in Bawku

The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee has raised concerns about the Bawku conflict.

Rev John Ntim Fordjour spoke on Joy News’ PM Express on April 14. He described a worsening humanitarian and security crisis in Bawku.

“The death toll is rising. People are living in fear,” he said. “Children can’t go to school.”

He noted that essential services are failing. Teachers, doctors, and nurses refuse postings to Bawku.

Fordjour explained that a long-standing tribal conflict has escalated. It now involves open hostility toward state authority.

“We’ve seen a worrying trend,” he stated. “One faction is clashing with security forces.”

He warned that this animosity could undermine peacekeeping institutions.

“If conflicts extend to clashes with security agencies, it’s dangerous,” he added.

Speaking for the minority in Parliament, Rev Fordjour called for restraint from all sides.

“Bawku deserves peace,” he stressed. “All parties must exercise absolute restraint.”

This approach could minimize reprisals and prevent further escalation.

He urged a non-partisan national response to the crisis.

“Government needs to step up,” he said, calling for an unbiased approach.

“This conflict cannot be politicized,” he emphasized.

Rev Fordjour criticized political rhetoric that worsens tensions during elections.

“We’ve heard promises made before elections that escalate conflicts,” he noted.

He expressed concern over advanced weapons in the region.

“The weapons available in Bawku are troubling,” he stated.

These arms contribute to confidence against security agencies.

He called for urgent investigations into how these weapons arrive in the area.

“Government needs to act urgently against this supply chain,” he declared.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Rev Fordjour believes unity is essential.

“We support the government,” he affirmed. “We must come together and restore lasting peace.”