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Mahama Hails Army for Restoring Calm in Bawku and Conflict Zones: A Detailed Analysis

Introduction

In a significant address highlighting the critical role of national security in democratic stability, former President John Dramani Mahama has publicly praised the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for their professionalism in managing volatile security situations. Speaking at the End of Year West Africa Social Activity (WASSA) 2025, Mahama specifically commended the military’s efforts in restoring relative peace in Bawku and other flashpoint areas across the country.

This recognition comes at a time when Ghana’s security landscape is under scrutiny, balancing regional instability with domestic peacekeeping challenges. The former President’s remarks underscore the symbiotic relationship between military discipline and national development. This article explores the details of the statement, the background of the conflict zones, the operational strategies employed, and the broader implications for Ghana’s security architecture.

Key Points

Background

To understand the significance of Mahama’s commendation, one must look at the complex security environment in Ghana and the West African sub-region.

The West African Security Landscape

The Sahel and West Africa have faced escalating security challenges in recent years, including terrorism, political instability, and cross-border crime. Neighboring countries have experienced significant turmoil, making Ghana’s relative stability noteworthy. However, this stability is not absolute; it requires constant vigilance and the active presence of security forces in vulnerable areas.

Domestic Flashpoints

Ghana’s internal security challenges are concentrated in specific geographic areas:

• Bawku: Located in the Upper East Region, Bawku has historically been a hotspot for ethnic conflict, particularly between the Kusasi and Mamprusi groups. This conflict has deep roots in land ownership and chieftaincy disputes.
• The Volta Region (Alavanyo/Nkonya): These areas have seen long-standing boundary disputes resulting in sporadic violence.
• Nkwanta and Nantong: These areas in the Oti and Northern regions have faced clashes often driven by ethnic tensions and resource competition.

The presence of the military in these areas is not merely about combat; it involves peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and maintaining a visible deterrent against violence.

Analysis

Former President Mahama’s speech at the Burma Camp in Accra was more than a ceremonial address; it was a strategic affirmation of civil-military relations in Ghana.

Commendation of Military Professionalism

Mahama’s specific praise for the “restraint, discipline, and adherence to the highest standard of military professionalism” is significant. In conflict zones like Bawku, the military operates under a microscope. Excessive force can escalate tensions, while hesitation can lead to loss of life. By highlighting their restraint, Mahama acknowledges the GAF’s adherence to rules of engagement that prioritize de-escalation.

Operational Success: Operation Gong Gong and Operation Maiada Buuri

The former President explicitly named two operations:

• Operation Gong Gong: This is a sustained security operation in the Upper East Region, specifically targeting the Bawku conflict. It involves a joint task force of the Army, Police, and other security agencies.
• Operation Maiada Buuri: This operation focuses on the North East Region and parts of the Savannah Region, aimed at curbing chieftaincy conflicts and cross-border banditry.

The success of these operations is measured by the “relative calm” mentioned in the speech. While absolute peace may be elusive due to deep-seated historical grievances, the containment of violence allows for economic activity and the return of displaced persons.

Security as a Pillar of Development

Mahama linked military success directly to economic potential, stating, “Peace and security are the bedrock of development.” This is a fundamental tenet of political economy. Investors and entrepreneurs are hesitant to operate in conflict zones. The military’s ability to secure these areas directly correlates to the government’s ability to deliver infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Practical Advice

For readers seeking to understand or engage with the situation in Bawku and other conflict zones, the following practical insights are essential.

Understanding the Role of the Armed Forces

The Ghana Armed Forces’ constitutional mandate includes:

• Defending territorial integrity.
• Supporting civil authority (e.g., the Police) in maintaining internal order.
• Providing humanitarian assistance during crises.

When the military is deployed to areas like Bawku, they are often operating under a state of emergency or a specific security directive. Civilians in these areas should cooperate with security checkpoints and respect curfews imposed to ensure safety.

Staying Informed

For residents and stakeholders, relying on official communications from the Ministry of Information and the GAF is crucial. Rumors often exacerbate tensions in conflict zones. The media plays a vital role, and as noted in the original text, platforms like Life Pulse Daily provide updates on these developments.

Community Engagement

As mentioned by Mahama, the government aims to work with traditional authorities. For lasting peace, community leaders must engage in dialogue alongside military presence. The military creates the security umbrella, but political and traditional dialogue resolves the root causes of conflict.

FAQ

Conclusion

Former President John Mahama’s recognition of the Ghana Armed Forces at WASSA 2025 highlights a critical consensus: the military remains the linchpin of Ghana’s stability in a turbulent region. Through operations like Gong Gong and Maiada Buuri, the GAF has managed to contain violence in Bawku and other clash spaces, fostering an environment where development can take root.

However, the speech also serves as a reminder that military intervention is a temporary solution to deep-rooted problems. Lasting peace requires a holistic approach involving traditional authorities, local communities, and sustained government investment. As Ghana moves forward, the discipline and professionalism of its armed forces will continue to be the shield protecting its democratic gains.