A lecturer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Dr Victor Doke, has urged security personnel deployed to conflict-prone areas like Bawku to remain within their scope of work and not interfere in chieftaincy issues that could further inflame tensions.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews and monitored by GhanaWeb on Friday, April 11, 2025, he stressed the need for security personnel to be well-trained to manage violent environments without escalating tensions.

"Our security personnel... need to understand that going into a conflict situation such as this, you need to stick strictly to your mandate.

"You stay away from chieftaincy issues or events such as these that would cause the people to go on a rampage or retaliate, and avoid these kinds of situations as much as possible. Where you are needed, you'll be called," he noted.

Dr Doke further urged key stakeholders to develop a road map to restore peace at Bawku.

"A roadmap has to be fast-tracked, and we look at all those who will constitute the committee, talk about experts, analysts, CSOs, think tanks, and one other important thing. Now, how about we give these security personnel some psychosocial support with regards to their mental health, some kind of support to build their mental fortitude to address issues efficiently?" he added.

The Bawku township has faced prolonged ethnic clashes, claiming hundreds of lives and posing a serious threat to regional stability and development in the Upper East Region.

JKB/AE

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