A new joint Military and Police Patrol team has been initiated to address the increasing crime rates in Bawku and its surrounding areas.

The official ceremony took place on August 1, 2024, at the forecourt of the Bawku Divisional Police Headquarters.

Colonel Appah Yaw Owusu, the Joint Task Force Commander for Bawku, emphasized the need for unity among security forces to effectively tackle the emerging crimes in the region.

He urged the military and police to work cohesively to restore and maintain peace.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Raymond Adofiem, representing the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), echoed this sentiment. He highlighted the importance of a united front among the security services to consolidate the progress made in improving security in Bawku and its environs.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic joint patrol through the main streets of Bawku, involving the military, police, and other security agencies. The event was attended by heads and representatives of all security services.

The ongoing conflict in Bawku, driven by ethnic and chieftaincy disputes, has resulted in numerous casualties and significant instability.

Various stakeholders, including government bodies, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations, have been engaged in efforts to resolve the crisis, though the situation remains fragile.

In a related development, Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, has accused National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah of receiving GH¢18 million quarterly to manage the ongoing conflict in Bawku. The National Security Minister has yet to respond to these allegations.