Bawku conflict: IGP raises alarm, cites alleged Burkinabés’ involvement

The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has raised a red flag over the alleged involvement of some Burkinabé nationals in the Bawku conflict adding some armed used in the recent disturbance are alleged to have been smuggled from Burkina Faso.

The letter to the Upper East Regional Police Commander signed by the Chief Staff Officer, Alex Kwame Safo-Adu, and sighted by Awake News says “Report reaching Headquarters indicate that there is an involvement of some Burkinabe nationals from Boulgou province in the ongoing conflict in Bawku. That, the significate number of Burkinabe fighters were seen retreating to Burkina Faso following an operation by Ghanaian security forces to arrest the perpetrators of the violence in the area.”

The letter, however, dismissed any possible link of the alleged Burkinabe fighters to any terrorist cells adding that their motivations could only be pure tribal ties and financial gains. The IGP however warned the situation could conduit for jihadists and violent extremists to infiltrate and radicalize the local populace to advance their course.

“Although the Burkinabe nationals involved in the Bawku conflict may be motivated by tribal ties and financial gains, the security situation in the area could serve as a conduit for jihadists and violent extremists to infiltrate and radicalize the local populace to advance their course”

“Also, given the surge in jihadists related activities in the Boulgou province of Burkina Faso, infiltration by the Burkinabe fighters into Bawku pose a serious security threat to the country.” – The Police Chief added

The IGP, therefore, has tasked his regional commander to tighten security in the area.

By: Efo Korsi Senyo / awakenewsroom.com