Mahama Ayariga reports soldiers’ involvement in recent shootings in Bawku.
Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has reported that three additional individuals were killed in Bawku, Ghana, bringing the death toll to 5 within the past 48 hours. Ayariga shared this information on JoyNews’ AM Show, stating that the victims were shot by soldiers who claimed to have found firearms on them around 8 pm on Thursday.
According to Ayariga, the soldiers allegedly shot the three individuals despite attempts by an assemblyman to intervene. The soldiers reportedly beat the victims and subsequently shot them. Another person who was with the deceased individuals at the time managed to flee the scene.
Ayariga expressed shock and condemnation, describing the soldiers’ actions as “dastardly.” As of now, the Ghana Armed Forces has not publicly responded to the matter. Meanwhile, Upper East Regional Minister Stephen Yakubu urged residents in Bawku to stay calm and cautioned against inflammatory statements that could escalate tensions.
The recent incidents follow an attack on January 17, 2024, when unidentified gunmen targeted tricycle operators near the Bawku Community Centre, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. In that incident, six people were shot, with one dying on the spot and another succumbing to injuries later.
Note: Bawku is a town in the Upper East Region of Ghana.