Army Chief arrives in Upper East as 400 troops mobilize for Bawku operation

The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, has arrived in the Upper East Region ahead of a large-scale military deployment to Bawku and its surrounding areas. His visit comes as part of ongoing efforts to restore calm to the municipality following renewed violence and rising tensions.

The deployment, involving *400 troops*, forms part of a broader national security strategy aimed at stabilising the conflict-hit area. Bawku has witnessed a resurgence of unrest in recent weeks, with security analysts warning that the situation could further deteriorate without a swift and coordinated response.

Major General Gbetanu’s presence in the region signals the military’s readiness to escalate on-ground operations. He is expected to meet with regional and local security officials to assess the evolving security dynamics and oversee the operational readiness of the troops ahead of their engagement.

The latest deployment follows a recent directive from the government, which confirmed the reinforcement of the Ghana Armed Forces to help enforce law and order, particularly in Bawku and adjoining districts. Authorities have also intensified curfews in the area as part of a multi-layered strategy to de-escalate tensions, prevent further violence, and reassure residents of their safety.

Security sources say the troops will be strategically positioned in key flashpoints to prevent further escalation of violence and to assist civil authorities in maintaining peace. The operation will focus on conflict containment, surveillance, and rapid response to any threats that may arise during the deployment period.

This latest development reflects the government’s increasing concern over the fragile state of peace in Bawku and its surrounding communities. The municipality has for years been plagued by intermittent ethnic and chieftaincy-related violence, which has resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents.

As part of its national security policy, the government has emphasized the need for a sustained presence of the armed forces in volatile regions, alongside efforts to engage local stakeholders in long-term peacebuilding initiatives. The military intervention is therefore seen not just as a show of force, but as a stabilisation effort aimed at creating space for dialogue and lasting reconciliation.