Majority leader Mahama Ayariga has slammed the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for alleged brutality against civilians during a nighttime operation in parts of Bawku Municipality on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
He vowed to pursue full accountability for the military’s actions, which he described as “unacceptable” and a violation of the rule of law.
Hon. Ayariga who is also the Member of Parliament for Bawku expressed regret over the accidental killing of a soldier by an unidentified assailant earlier that day, condemning the attack as a “dastardly act.”
He, however, denounced the military’s subsequent response, which reportedly involved ransacking homes, assaulting civilians—including women, children, and elderly residents—and instilling widespread fear.
Soldiers, he said, tasked with maintaining law and order must not resort to holding an entire town hostage.
The MP urged Bawku’s community leaders and military officials to collaborate in investigating the soldier’s death, criticizing the current approach of the military command as counterproductive.
He extended condolences to the slain soldier’s family and sympathy to civilians harmed in the violence while reiterating calls for restraint from all parties.
Mahama Ayariga lamented that military leadership ignored his earlier appeal to avoid retaliatory violence.
“We need to work together to resolve this crisis, not escalate it,” he emphasized.
The MP expressed confidence in Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation efforts stating, “I trust all sides will place their faith in His Majesty’s wisdom to bring lasting peace to Bawku and end this cycle of violence.”