Calls for deployment of more troops in Bawku

Bawku (U/E), April 7, GNA - The Upper East Regional Security Council (RESEC) has called for an increase in the number of soldiers deployed to Bawku Municipality from 150 to 300 in view of the deteriorating security situation in the area. Military helicopter to carry out occasional aerial patrols, especially on Bawku market days, should also be deployed to the area.

In addition, rapid response units of the Ghana Police Service should be sent to the Municipality, while those already there should be provided with logistics including vehicles and bullet-proof vests and jackets, a statement issued at the end of a joint meeting of the RESEC and Bawku Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) at Bawku on Wednesday said.

The statement, which was signed by Mr Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister, called for the strengthening of the Attorney-General's Office in Bolgatanga to facilitate the speedy prosecution of cases from Bawku to curb the spate of impunity in the Municipality.

The meeting recommended that the security personnel deployed in the area should be motivated financially to ensure their effectiveness and called for more support for the efforts of RESEC, MUSEC and civil society organizations in sensitising the youth of the area on the peace-building processes. The statement said the RESEC had noticed with concern media reportage that tended to inflame passions and appealed to the media to be circumspect and to support efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace to the beleaguered Bawku Municipality. There was sudden shooting in the Bawku Township at noon on Wednesday. The shooting disrupted the bustling market day activities, as people started running to their houses before the curfew at 1600 hours.

The prompt reaction of the security services, however, brought things under control but the frightened residents, who had retired home, preferred starting the curfew four hours ahead of the scheduled time as the streets were virtually empty.