Security analyst Paul Boateng has cautioned that military intervention alone will not bring an end to the protracted conflict in Bawku and its surrounding areas, stressing the need for political will.
His remarks follow renewed violence in Bawku and Nalerigu, which has led to the imposition of a curfew and the deployment of additional military personnel.
Security forces, initially sent in as peacekeepers, have now been instructed by President John Dramani Mahama to shift to peace enforcement operations as tensions escalate in the region.
“This is not the first time we are deploying the military to Bawku,” Mr Boateng told the media. “The question is, how long are we going to keep sending troops there without addressing the root causes of the conflict?”
He argued that the conflict, which dates back as far as the 1930s, has long been politicized — a factor that continues to fuel unrest in the area.
“Even President Mahama himself has acknowledged in the past that the Bawku conflict has been politicized. That is part of the problem,” Mr Boateng said. “We must find a homegrown, natural solution to this crisis. Relying on the military alone will not end it; at best, it only reduces the tension temporarily.”
He emphasized that the solution requires strong political will and a shift in approach from the government.
“The current government must demonstrate the political will to resolve this conflict once and for all,” he urged. “While we talk about politics, we must also change the methods we are using to address these deep-rooted issues.”
Mr Boateng also reflected on broader challenges across Africa, noting that ethnic loyalty often overshadows national unity.
“One of Africa’s biggest challenges is ethnicity. People are more committed to their tribes than their countries,” he observed.
He stressed that the conflict must be treated as a national priority and called on President Mahama to fulfill his promise to end the longstanding unrest in Bawku.
“Everyone is looking up to the President because he made a promise to resolve this issue. He must not fail Ghanaians on this,” Mr Boateng stated. “Those behind the violence must be punished severely to send a strong signal that impunity will no longer be tolerated.”
According to him, achieving lasting peace in Bawku will require not just security enforcement, but genuine political commitment, community engagement, and accountability.
Jagri Boaz Binyinjom
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