The Ghana Armed Forces Joint Task Force in Bawku has launched a high-level intelligence-led cordon and search operation to root out armed bandits and seize illegal weapons in the conflict-stricken municipality.
The operation, which took place on August 1, was led by Taskforce Commander Colonel Rosslyn Foli Atiogbe, supported by Lieutenant Colonel Kakra Sasu-Antwi of the 11 Mechanized Battalion and other senior officers.
According to the military, the mission was based on actionable intelligence pinpointing suspected hideouts of criminal elements linked to recent violent attacks.
This decisive move follows a surge in violence in Bawku, culminating in the recent killing of three Senior High School students.
In response, the Ghana Armed Forces have ramped up their presence, deploying over 200 military personnel in Bawku and an additional 200 troops across the Upper East Region to reinforce patrols and deter further unrest.
The operation underscores the military’s commitment to restoring law and order and ensuring the safety of civilians in the area.
During a working visit on July 30, 2025, Chief of Army Staff Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu praised the troops for their professionalism and resolve.
He pledged continued support from the Military High Command and assured residents that the operation would be carried out in full compliance with human rights protocols.
“We will not leave any stone unturned in our efforts to restore calm. The safety and security of the people in Bawku and the Upper East Region remain a top priority,” he affirmed.