Army Chief Issues Stern Warning to Armed Groups in Bawku: 'Your Days Are Numbered

Ghana’s Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, has issued a firm warning to individuals involved in the ongoing conflict in Bawku, declaring that any further attacks on civilians or security personnel will be dealt with as acts of extremism. He stated that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will respond with decisive and uncompromising force to restore calm and order.

Speaking during a press briefing after touring Bawku on Wednesday, Major General Gbetanu made it clear that the military is prepared to act swiftly and firmly against those inciting violence in the troubled Upper East Region town.

“To those responsible for the violence in Bawku, let me make it absolutely clear: your time is running out. Any attack on civilians or our troops will be treated as terrorism, and we will respond with full operational strength,” he said.

The Army Chief’s visit marks his first official trip to the region since assuming leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces. The visit comes amid renewed tensions in Bawku, an area that has seen recurring outbreaks of violence linked to chieftaincy disputes and ethnic tensions.

Major General Gbetanu emphasized that the military would leave no stone unturned in identifying and apprehending individuals behind the unrest. He assured residents that law enforcement would be relentless in its pursuit of those destabilizing the region.

“There will be no safe haven for those who choose violence. We will find them, and they will face justice. The Ghana Armed Forces are fully committed to ensuring peace is restored and maintained,” he said.

He also made a passionate appeal to the youth of Bawku, urging them to reject violence and focus on building a brighter future for their communities.

“I want to speak directly to the young people: lay down your weapons and embrace peace. Your future lies in education, entrepreneurship, and nation-building—not in conflict and destruction,” Major General Gbetanu advised.

As part of his efforts to promote peace and collaboration, the Army Chief paid a courtesy visit to the Kusaug Traditional Council earlier in the day. During discussions with traditional leaders, he stressed the importance of cooperation between community elders and the military in calming tensions and guiding the youth away from violent behavior.

He called on chiefs to use their authority and influence to prevent confrontations between residents and security personnel, emphasizing that mutual respect is essential for stability.

“The support of traditional leaders is vital. We need your help to calm the situation and lead the community toward peace,” he said.

Security forces have maintained a heightened presence in Bawku in recent months, with joint military and police deployments working to manage the situation and prevent further escalation. The government has also imposed a curfew in parts of the area to curb violence and promote calm.

The Ghana Armed Forces, together with local authorities and security agencies, continue to monitor the situation and engage in strategic operations to dismantle the networks driving the unrest.

Major General Gbetanu reiterated the military’s role as a neutral and stabilizing force committed to safeguarding all Ghanaians, regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation.

“We are here to protect every Ghanaian. Our goal is peace, not conflict. But we will not hesitate to use the necessary force when peace is threatened,” he emphasized.

His visit is seen as a strong show of leadership and reassurance to residents who have been living under the threat of violence. It also signals the Armed Forces’ determination to end the cycle of unrest that has plagued Bawku for years.

As tensions continue to simmer, the Chief of Army Staff’s message is clear: violence will no longer be tolerated, and lasting peace must be pursued through dialogue, respect, and the rule of law.