Peter Lanchene Toobu, the Member of Parliament for Wa West, has urged the government to treat the Bawku conflict as a Bawku national crisis. He believes the situation requires a more strategic, fair, and sophisticated response.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, Toobu, a retired police officer, shared his concern about the worsening violence in the area. The clashes have already claimed the lives of police officers and continue to endanger others.
“I first want to express my condolences to the affected families and the Ghana Police Service,” he said.
Toobu advised all security personnel stationed in Bawku to follow safety protocols strictly. According to him, Bawku has become a high-risk zone, and officers must act accordingly.
“When the situation is tense, you don’t move around alone,” he said. “Stay in uniform and always get permission from your superiors before taking action. These steps are meant to keep officers safe.”
Based on his experience, Toobu explained that law enforcement should not aim for neutrality but impartiality.
“The police should not favor any side. Instead, they should focus on creating peace and fairness for both factions,” he stated.
Toobu’s comments follow reports that some armed groups have targeted security personnel. He described this as “extremely dangerous” and a threat to peace efforts.
“When peacekeepers become targets, the entire process is at risk,” he warned.
Moreover, he raised concerns about the spread of illegal weapons in Bawku. These arms, he noted, can easily fuel radicalism and organized crime if left unchecked.
“It’s a serious issue,” he stressed. “We must take action to remove these weapons from the region.”
Toobu praised the President’s recent move to prioritize Bawku and expressed support for the mediation led by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“We now have political will, and that is a good start,” he said. “The Otumfuo-led team has what it takes to find a peaceful solution.”
In his closing remarks, he urged leaders to avoid politicizing the conflict.
“This is not about party lines. It’s a national matter,” he concluded. “Let’s unite and treat this as the Bawku national crisis it truly is.”
