Bawku, Upper East Region, Ghana – The Member of Parliament for Zebilla, Hon. Ebenezer Alumire Ndebilla, has called for the immediate withdrawal of military personnel from Bawku, citing allegations of bias in their operations amidst the protracted chieftaincy and ethnic conflict. This demand comes as fresh clashes continue to plague the Bawku Traditional Area, leading to renewed concerns about the effectiveness and impartiality of security forces deployed to maintain peace.
The MP's strong statement reflects growing unease among some political leaders and residents regarding the conduct of soldiers on the ground. Reports have emerged from various quarters, including some community leaders and human rights advocates, alleging that military personnel have not been even-handed in their approach, leading to accusations of targeting one faction over another. Such allegations, if substantiated, could severely undermine trust in state security agencies and exacerbate the already volatile situation.
The Bawku conflict, deeply rooted in chieftaincy and land disputes between the Kusasis and Mamprusis, has persisted for decades, claiming numerous lives and displacing countless residents. The government has repeatedly deployed security forces, including the military, to the area in an attempt to restore order and protect lives and property. However, the sustained nature of the conflict, coupled with recurrent accusations of military brutality and partiality, suggests that these interventions have not always yielded the desired long-term peace.
Calls for the neutrality of security forces in Bawku are not new. Various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and even former MPs, have previously emphasized the critical need for the military and police to act without bias to foster genuine reconciliation and peace. A lack of trust in the security apparatus, they argue, only fuels grievances and prolongs the conflict.
The Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces are yet to officially respond to the Zebilla MP's specific allegations of bias. However, the military has consistently maintained its commitment to neutrality and its mandate to protect all citizens in conflict zones. Any investigation into these new claims would be crucial to either restore public confidence or address any systemic issues.
As the Bawku conflict continues to pose a significant security challenge in the Upper East Region, the call for the immediate withdrawal of soldiers by a sitting MP underscores the urgency of reassessing the peace-keeping strategy. Stakeholders are keen to see what steps the government will take to address these serious allegations and ensure that all interventions contribute genuinely to a lasting and equitable peace in Bawku.
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