In a tragic development, a military officer has been shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in Bawku, a conflict-prone town in Ghana’s Upper East Region. The incident, which occurred on the morning of Monday, March 17, 2025, has deepened the already volatile security situation in the area.
The victim, identified as a Warrant Officer Class Two, was reportedly ambushed near a military buffer zone established to curb violence in one of the town’s hotspots. His death adds to the growing list of security personnel targeted in the region since the resurgence of violent conflict in 2021.
A Series of Attacks on Security Personnel
This marks the third fatal attack on security officers in Bawku in recent years, underscoring the dangers faced by personnel deployed to maintain peace.
- January 23, 2022: Constable Regina Angenu, a police officer with the Paga Police Command, was fatally shot in the groin while riding a motorbike with a colleague.
- April 3, 2023: A Ghana Immigration Service patrol vehicle was ambushed near Missiga, leading to the death of 42-year-old officer Philip Motey and critical injuries to two colleagues.
- March 17, 2025: The latest victim, a warrant officer, was killed in what appears to be a targeted attack, reigniting concerns about the safety of both security operatives and civilians in the area.
Heightened Tensions and Ongoing Investigations
The killing has intensified tensions in Bawku, where a joint security task force has been deployed for years in an attempt to stabilize the region. Authorities have launched investigations to identify the perpetrators but have yet to make any arrests.
Meanwhile, residents remain on edge, as the town’s persistent ethnic and land disputes continue to fuel violence. The situation has drawn condemnation from civil society groups, security analysts, and political leaders, who are calling for urgent action to address the underlying causes of the conflict.
Calls for Long-term Solutions
With the recurrence of such attacks, there is growing pressure on the government to implement sustainable measures to restore peace in Bawku. Experts have called for intensified intelligence operations, enhanced collaboration with community leaders, and a holistic approach to resolving the town’s long-standing disputes.
The loss of yet another officer in the line of duty is a stark reminder of the risks faced by security personnel deployed to conflict zones and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to ensure their safety and restore stability in Bawku.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
