The Mamprugu Youth Association (MAYA) has strongly condemned the armed attack on a passenger bus travelling under military escort from Bolgatanga to Bawku on Saturday, July 13, marking the second such incident in just four days. The assault has further heightened fears over the fragile security situation in the region.
In a statement issued following the attack, MAYA said: “Unlike the Bazua incident, where the military’s failure to act exposed the vehicle and lives to merciless attack, we commend the Ghana Armed Forces for their courageous and decisive response today. Their professionalism and resolve affirm their capacity to protect the defenceless and uphold law and order when allowed to operate without political constraint.”
MAYA urged the Ghana Police Service to emulate the military’s example, referencing previous concerns over perceived leniency towards elements fuelling unrest in Bawku.
“The regrettable episode where the Inspector General of Police apologised to people who are responsible for repeated breaches of peace and other acts, including murder, arson, and sabotage, must not reoccur. Ghana is a nation founded on the rule of law. Bawku must not be an exception,” the statement read.
Call for Non-Partisan Governance
The association called on the Minister for Defence and the Minister for the Interior to “internalise the lessons of yesterday’s events and rise above partisan lenses. Governance requires impartiality, and all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, deserve equal protection under the law.”
MAYA outlined urgent security recommendations, including:
- Dismantling illegal lorry stations that facilitate targeted attacks on vehicles.
- Removing unauthorised roadside markets used as cover for launching assaults.
Parliamentarians Urged to Act
The association also took aim at political leaders in the region, challenging them to speak out and act decisively against the violence.
“Silence in the face of violence is complicity. Whether perpetrators are kin or not, wrongdoing must be condemned. Representation demands courage and accountability,” the statement emphasised.
MAYA criticised the MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, accusing him of selective advocacy. “We see his selective engagement—speaking out when his political or ethnic interests are at stake, yet remaining silent during the suffering of the Mamprusi communities. This raises serious concerns about his commitment to sustainable peace in Bawku.
His vocal defence of a statue contrasted with his loud silence in the face of real human suffering undermines the trust many have placed in his leadership. What a coward,” the association declared.
A Vision for Peace
In line with the vision of His Royal Majesty Tidugma Nayiri for peace and stability in Bawku, MAYA reiterated the following security recommendations:
- Boost security personnel and logistics: Address staffing and equipment shortages among police and military forces.
- Empower security forces: Remove political interference to allow for decisive action.
- Protect economic freedom: Guarantee the safety of all traders, including those from Burkina Faso and Togo.
- Shield critical infrastructure: Safeguard public institutions to prevent disruptions that exacerbate community hardships.
- Unify transport systems: Establish a centralised lorry station to prevent targeted attacks.
- Deploy strategic checkpoints: Place joint military and police posts every five miles along the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Poulimakom corridor.
- Set up police posts in key areas, especially in Gumyoko and Binduri, to curb tribal profiling and protect civilians.
MAYA reiterated its support for the Nayiri’s call for the government to act decisively to restore lasting peace to the Bawku Traditional Area.
“The persistent threats posed by armed criminals operating within Binduri, Pusiga, Garu, and Bawku West undermine national stability and demand robust intervention,” the association stressed.
A Call for Unity
MAYA urged the people of Bawku to embrace peace and coexistence, stating: “Bawku must rise again, where the Bissa, Mamprusi, Kusasi, Moshie, Hausa, Zambarima, Fulani, Bimoba, and all others deserve to live in dignity, harmony, and unity.”
The association called on Mamprugu youth to remain law-abiding and vigilant: “Let yesterday’s events reaffirm our shared belief in the ability of the state to enforce justice and defend all its citizens. Together, we must ensure the state does not falter in its sovereign duty to maintain law and order.”
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