Bawku conflict: We need operational shift in 72 hours - Prof. Aning warns

Security analyst Professor Emmanuel Kwesi Aning has issued a warning. Ghana must change its security strategy in Bawku within 72 hours. Otherwise, it risks losing control of the situation.

On Joy FM's Newsnight on April 15, Prof. Aning spoke about recent violence in the Upper East town. He called Ghana’s current risk assessments “bogus” and “utterly distasteful.”

His comments followed a police alert about rising attacks on officers and their families in Bawku. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, responded by banning officer movements into the area. He also ordered those already there to wear protective gear and travel only with armored escorts.

Prof. Aning noted that this directive shows the situation has worsened significantly. He highlighted the recent killings of two uniformed officers in Binduri as alarming signs of escalating insecurity.

He warned that these events signal armed factions are becoming bolder. “The security forces have been pinched to the wall,” he said. He emphasized that dramatic changes in operational tactics are needed within 72 hours to regain control.

Prof. Aning also called for immediate psychological support for officers in Bawku. He stated that the state must show it can "recapture the territory" and restore order.

“The Ghana Police Service recognizes the extreme situation in Bawku,” he added. They need to take necessary measures to protect their personnel and demonstrate authority in the region.