The Ministry of National Security has responded to concerns raised by the Bawku Central lawmaker, Mahama Ayariga, about the allocation of a significant amount of money allocated to address the security crisis in Bawku.
Mr. Ayariga revealed that the National Security Minister receives a whopping 6 million Ghana Cedis every month, totalling 18 million Ghana Cedis per quarter, to tackle the Bawku crisis.
He expressed outrage that while the people of Bawku were struggling with poverty and living under a curfew, the National Security Minister was receiving large sums of money to address the security problem.
The MP claimed that this situation was largely created by the NPP’s promises to his constituents, which he believed were misrepresentations.
Mr. Ayariga cited credible intelligence and documents to support his claims, questioning the use of these funds while the people of Bawku continue to suffer.
However, in a press statement, the Ministry of National Security emphasised that the funds are necessary to support special operations aimed at maintaining peace in Bawku and surrounding areas in the North East Region.
“In response to the sharp and troubling escalation of the inter-ethnic tensions in Bawku in 2021, which led to the tragic loss of hundreds of innocent lives, including women and children, displacement of people, and disruption of economic activities, the Ministry, as a matter of urgency, established a special operation in February 2023 to maintain peace in Bawku and its environs, as well as other areas in the North East Region affected and impacted by the conflict.
“A budget allocation of Gh¢ 6,000,000 per month was made to support these operations, which included a Special Task Force. These funds cover essential operational costs, such as fuel supplies for Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other operational vehicles; the provision and delivery of food rations for personnel of the Task Force; special intelligence operations, and other civil-military activities aimed at building societal cohesion and stability in Bawku.
“In line with the coordination and operational strategy for the management of the conflict, the Ministry, upon receipt of the funds, distributes same to the participating security and intelligence agencies to support their logistics and personnel involved in the operations, with the core mandate of protecting the lives and livelihoods of all citizens in the area.”
The ministry further expressed disappointment that Mr Ayariga, despite being a Member of Parliament, would politicize the issue, potentially disinforming and misinforming citizens, reigniting tensions, and endangering the lives of personnel involved in the operations.
“The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations in Bawku to ensure overall peace and stability in the country,” it said in the statement.
Read the ministry’s full statement below;
