President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ghana Armed Forces to provide armed security escorts for all vehicles travelling through the Bawku area, in a major move aimed at strengthening peace and security in the region. The order is part of broader government efforts to protect lives and property, especially along conflict-prone corridors.
Speaking during a durbar of chiefs and residents in Nalerigu, in the North East Region, as part of his Thank You Tour, President Mahama announced that the military will now guard commercial and private vehicles plying the Bawku-Pulmakom-Bolgatanga and Walewale-Bolgatanga routes.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I have instructed the Armed Forces to provide armed escort and protection to all vehicles traveling within the Bawku area,” he said. “This includes the Bawku-Pulmakom-Bolgatanga Corridor and the Walewale-Bolgatanga Corridor.”
The President’s directive comes amid rising security tensions in and around Bawku, which has historically faced chieftaincy-related conflicts and ethnic tensions, often resulting in violence and commercial disruptions. Several trucks carrying food supplies had reportedly been stranded in Bolgatanga due to fears of attack. President Mahama said those trucks had now been successfully escorted out of the area.
He warned that without peace and security, there can be no real development progress, stressing the government’s resolve to work with both local and national actors to protect citizens.
“We acknowledge and applaud the efforts of the Regional Security Council, our traditional leaders, opinion leaders, religious bodies and community groups for sustaining peace and social cohesion in the Northeast Region,” the President said.
He also lauded the resilience of the people in the face of security challenges, noting that their unity and cooperation have helped prevent the spread of conflict from neighbouring volatile areas into the North East Region.
President Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to peacebuilding, highlighting key steps in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto and the 2025 national budget. These include:
Increased logistical support for security forces
Expanded early warning systems at community level
Enhanced cooperation with the National Peace Council
Deployment of peace education curricula in schools
Empowerment of chiefs and traditional leaders with conflict mediation tools
“Peace is not negotiable. It is the foundation upon which all development rests,” he emphasized.
In a further update, the President said he recently met with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to discuss the way forward for resolving the Bawku crisis. He expressed appreciation to the Nayiri, Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, for his ongoing leadership and contribution to a peace roadmap.
“We are confident that the traditional solutions we are working on will soon give us the opportunity to achieve sustainable peace in Bawku,” Mahama added.
This latest intervention underscores the importance of traditional authority and community-driven dialogue in resolving deep-seated regional disputes in Ghana. Mahama’s government is banking on a mix of military support, policy reforms, and traditional conflict resolution mechanisms to calm tensions in Bawku and ensure safe passage for civilians and goods.
As the region continues to balance development ambitions with security demands, the government is calling for patience and collaboration from all stakeholders — including citizens, security agencies, and community leaders — to build a peaceful and stable northern Ghana.
