One of the vehicles set ablaze during the attack
The Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces have stated that calm has been restored in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
This follows a tragic incident that occurred on the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi, close to Walewale after gunmen blocked the road and opened fire, claiming the lives of eight travellers.
The gunmen set up roadblocks in both Gbimsi and Walewale Town, halting vehicles to scrutinize potential targets. Passengers who were caught up in the blockade were interrogated over their identities. This led to the death of approximately eight people, while two cars were set ablaze. This horrific happening has sparked widespread fear and grave security concerns.
A survivor shared a petrifying account of the ordeal stating, “I was travelling from Sunyani to Paga. Upon reaching Walewale, people had mounted roadblocks and were searching for individuals to kill. The incident lasted for more than an hour, yet security did not respond.”
The recent attack on the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway is believed to be linked with the ongoing Bawku Conflict, which has resurfaced following a period of relative calm.
In a statement the police and military assured the public of their continued efforts, stating, “We are working to bring the security situation in Bawku, its surrounding areas, and along the Bolgatanga – Walewale – Tamale highway under control.” They highlighted that joint police and military forces are deployed not only in Bawku but also along critical routes to ensure civilian safety and manage traffic flow.
The security agencies emphasized their dedication to “maintaining peace, security, law, and order in Bawku and its environs,” aiming to reassure residents of actions being taken to reduce violence and reestablish peace.
The current deployment along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway is also intended to support security and allow for safe travel in the area.
Below is the statement
SECURITY AGENCIES ARE WORKING TO BRING THE SITUATION IN BAWKU AND ITS ENVIRONS UNDER CONTROL
The Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces would like to assure the general public that we are working to bring the security situation in Bawku, its surrounding areas, and along the Bolgatanga – Walewale – Tamale highway, under control.
Aside the Police and Military deployment in Bawku and its environs, there is also a joint Police and Military deployment along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway to ensure security and manage vehicular traffic.
The security agencies would like to once again assure the public that we are committed to maintaining peace, security, law and order in Bawku and its environ