The security situation in Bawku has reached a breaking point, with Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka revealing that several police officers deployed to the volatile enclave are now threatening mass resignations unless their urgent transfer requests are approved. Speaking in Parliament on February 10, 2026, the Minister painted a grim picture of officers facing relentless attacks, including deadly ambushes at checkpoints where personnel have been openly shot and killed over the past three months. He disclosed that the dangers have escalated to the point where the Inspector General of Police (IGP) was forced to pull all officers from these exposed positions, leaving the area even more unstable.
In response, Major (Rtd) Derrick Oduro, a prominent security analyst, has weighed in sharply, arguing that the crisis has been dangerously politicized, exacerbating the risks to frontline personnel. Oduro pointed to incidents during the 2024 elections where the local MP allegedly insulted security forces even as they battled to keep the peace amid rising tensions. He criticized the lack of adequate armament for officers, insisting that the government must urgently equip them with proper weapons to enable self-defense and restore order in the chieftaincy-fueled conflict zone.
Muntaka’s disclosure underscores a deeper breakdown in community-security relations, with the Minister lamenting that locals have shown little cooperation, emboldening attackers to target police with impunity. “I have had instances where some officers say that if you don’t transfer me from that area, I will rather resign,” he quoted, highlighting the psychological toll on the force. This has prompted calls for MPs from Bawku and surrounding constituencies to step up collaboration with security agencies, fostering an environment where officers can work without fearing for their lives.
Oduro’s remarks add a layer of political accountability to the unfolding drama, urging a depoliticization of the response to prevent further escalation. As the Bawku conflict rooted in long-standing chieftaincy disputes continues to claim lives and strain national resources, the dual threats of officer exodus and inadequate firepower signal a potential security vacuum. Without swift interventions, including better arming of personnel and community engagement, the crisis risks spilling over into neighboring regions, demanding immediate action from both government and local leaders.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku/Ahotoronline.com