Bawku: Mahama condemns killing of soldier, urges military to desist from retaliation

President John Mahama has strongly condemned the killing of a soldier in Bawku, emphasising that military personnel are deployed to maintain peace and should not be harmed in conflicts they are not involved in.

Speaking during his ‘Thank You Tour’ in the Upper East Region, he also criticised the subsequent assault and abuse of residents following the soldier’s death.

While acknowledging the military’s frustration over the loss of their colleague, he urged restraint and called on the Ghana Armed Forces to focus on apprehending the perpetrators rather than resorting to retaliatory violence against innocent civilians.

“I wish to take this opportunity to condemn the killing of a member of the Ghana Army recently in Bawku. 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. In the same vein, I wish to condemn the high-handed response of our men in uniform, which resulted in assaults and injuries to many innocent civilians.

“I 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 justice,” he stated on Thursday, March 20.

Additionally, President Mahama extended his condolences to the family of the deceased soldier and sympathised with those affected by the military’s counteraction.

He reiterated the importance of peace and unity in fostering development and assured residents of the government’s commitment to equitable investment in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, and social welfare.

“The progress of our nation depends on the shared effort of all its people towards a common purpose and a collective vision for prosperity. The Upper East Region, like every other part of Ghana, deserves its fair share of development—not as a favour, but as my government’s actionable commitment to ensuring no Ghanaian is left behind.

“I pledge to the people of the Upper East Region that when the national cake is being shared, you will receive your fair portion,” he affirmed.