The Upper East Regional Security Council(REGSEC) has raised concerns that jihadists may have infiltrated the town of Bawku leading to an escalation of the conflict there.
The Regional Minister and Chairman of the Security Council, Stephen Yakubu says jihadists operating across the border next to Bawku are a major concern.
“It is very sad that people have lost their lives, it is something that the Council wants to know what happened. But I also want to say that these troubles in Bawku are taking too long,” he said on Thursday, February 2.
At least six people have been killed in recent days following a military operation in the area.
Security analyst and Chief Executive of the Security Warehouse Limited, Adam Bonaa, says the government must thoroughly probe the jihadist threat in Bawku.
“We’ve had some suspected jihadists who attempted something in the country even though this was not something that was announced.
“So it is important to have a thorough investigation conducted to know if we have some terrorists who have infiltrated Bawku to aid their friends and families among others,” Mr Bonaa explained in an interview with Joy news on February 2.
Earlier on, REGSEC had entreated the residents of Bawku not to engage the military in combat over recent disagreements.
The appeal follows reports of the military killing seven civilians in Bawku in the Upper East Region.
In a press release issued on Thursday, February 2, Upper East REGSEC said any move by the civilians to retaliate will cause more havoc to them.
It is thus urging the residents to rather consider a peaceful resolution other than a combat with the security force.
“Again, REGSEC appealed to both factions to desist from any attempt to engage the military in combat, since that will be catastrophic on the part of the civilians.
“We should therefore be charting a peaceful roadmap in Bawku,” portions of the statement said.
The release added that arrangements are underway to de-escalate the conflict in the area.
“Meanwhile, arrangements are being made by the REGSEC to engage the good people of Bawku with the aim of bringing down the tension in the area.”
Already, The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has refuted allegations that soldiers deployed to Bawku to restore calm and maintain order have killed seven locals.