Former president John Dramani Mahama has condemned the killing of a soldier in Bawku, Upper East Region, by unknown gunmen, describing the act as unacceptable and a threat to peace and stability.
Speaking during his ‘Thank You’ tour in Bolgatanga, Mahama emphasized that the military personnel deployed to the area are peacekeepers and should not be targeted in a conflict they are not involved in.
“The members of the Ghana Armed Forces in the conflict zone are peacekeepers who have been sent there to protect life, limb, and property. It is unacceptable for them to become targets of a conflict to which they are not a party,” he stated.
The deceased, believed to be a warrant officer, was reportedly on foot when he was shot dead by the gunmen.
Mahama extended his condolences to the bereaved family and urged security agencies to use intelligence-led operations to bring the perpetrators to justice.
However, he also condemned the military’s alleged brutalities against innocent residents following the soldier’s death.
“I wish to condemn the high-handed response of our men in uniform, which resulted in assaults and injury of many innocent civilians. I can understand the righteous anger at the loss of a colleague serviceman, but we must exercise restraint and use effective intelligence gathering to identify and bring the culprits to book,” he urged.
He further called on all parties involved in the Bawku conflict to return to peace negotiations, warning that continued instability would hinder development and put innocent lives at risk.
“There can be no progress without peace. The programs I have just outlined and the commitments my government has made to you will mean nothing if we leave behind communities scarred by violence, towns silenced by curfews, and corporations eroded by distrust,” Mahama stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to the equitable development of the Upper East Region, he assured residents of continued investments in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and education.
“The Upper East Region, like every other part of Ghana, deserves its fair share of development not as a favor, but as a testament to my government’s commitment to ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind,” he assured.
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