Security analyst Colonel Festus Aboagye (Rtd) has criticized the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for its use of force during recent incidents in Bawku.
Ten civilians were reportedly killed, which the GAF denies, claiming that its personnel only intervened to neutralize individuals who were firing sporadically.
The GAF has explained that its personnel, together with the Bawku police, conducted a cordon and search operation in the Pateleme General Area to disarm residents.
However, Colonel Aboagye has stated that the outcome of the operation does not match the explanations provided by the military. He stated that when conducting a cordon and search operation, there must be evidence, such as weapons seized, to justify the action taken.
He went on to say that the military must present the weapons seized during the operation and that an operation of this nature must have both technical military and information dimensions.
“When you organize a cordon and search operation, it is based on an item of intelligence and there must be evidence to justify the operation. I have had occasions to link this happening in Bawku to Ayawaso West Wuogon that if indeed there were armed elements with military-grade weapons and therefore the military cordoned and searched the area, the military must have seized weapons and they must present those weapons and it is not sufficient to just issue a statement that we engaged people that were sporadically firing their weapons,” Colonel Aboagye stated in an interview with Selorm Adonoo on Eyewitness News.
The events in Bawku, and the subsequent response by the GAF, have raised concerns about the potential for the situation to escalate. Colonel Aboagye's comments provide insight into the potential implications of the use of force by the military in such situations.
