Eight travellers were killed when armed gunmen attacked the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi, a community close to Walewale.

The incident occurred on Sunday, as the gunmen set up roadblocks in both Gbimsi and Walewale, stopping vehicles and questioning passengers to identify specific targets. Two vehicles were set on fire.

A survivor recounted the terrifying ordeal: “I was travelling from Sunyani to Paga. Upon reaching Walewale, people had mounted roadblocks and were searching for individuals to kill. The incident lasted for more than an hour, yet security did not respond.”

The attack is thought to be tied to the ongoing Bawku conflict, which has reignited after a period of relative calm. The attack has heightened security concerns in the area.

In response, the Ghana Police Service has assured travelers that security will be heightened along the highway in the days ahead. In a statement, the police indicated they are actively working to stabilize the security situation in Bawku, its surrounding regions, and along the Bolgatanga–Walewale–Tamale highway.

In addition to police and military personnel stationed in Bawku and nearby areas, a combined police and military team has been deployed along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway to bolster security and manage traffic flow.

“The security agencies would like to once again assure the public that we are committed to maintaining peace, security, law and order in Bawku and its environs.”