'This is a national conflict, let’s treat it that way,' says Peter Toobu on rising Bawku crisis

Wa West MP Peter Lanchene Toobu has called for the Bawku conflict to be treated as a national crisis.

He stressed the need for a strategic and impartial approach to peacekeeping.

On Joy News’ PM Express, he expressed concern over rising violence in Bawku. Recently, police officers have been killed amid ongoing clashes between factions.

Toobu offered condolences to the bereaved families and the Ghana Police Service. He urged security personnel in Bawku to exercise caution.

“When risk is high, Bawku is a red zone,” he said. Officers must be extremely careful in their actions.

He advised against going into town alone or out of uniform. “You must follow your command’s restrictions for safety reasons,” he added.

As a former police officer, Toobu emphasized that security officers should remain impartial, not neutral.

“The police should not favor any feuding party,” he stated. Their goal should be to promote peace among all groups.

His comments reflect growing public concern about law and order in Bawku. Reports indicate one faction has turned weapons on security forces.

Toobu described this situation as “very, very dangerous.” He warned against security personnel becoming targets in the conflict.

He also highlighted the rise of illegal arms in the region. “This is a significant challenge we must address urgently,” he cautioned.

Some may seek to radicalize youth or profit from chaos through illegal arms trade, he noted.

To address this crisis, Toobu supports the President's declaration that Bawku is a national priority.

“We now have political will to take necessary action,” he said confidently.

He praised the appointment of Otumfuo and his mediation team as key to finding solutions.

Toobu concluded by urging that the situation be depoliticized entirely.

“This conflict requires sophisticated handling,” he reiterated. “It is not just a party matter; it’s a national issue.”