We regret demise of 3 assailants who were neutralized by troops

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has explained circumstances under which three persons who fired at its troops in Bawku were neutralized.

The GAF said the act of neutralization occurred in retaliation to attack on its troops.

“…at about 2030 hrs on the same day {January 18}, own troops conducting night foot patrols around Hasania School at Sabongari were fired upon by 4 gunmen. Troops returned fire spontaneously neutralising 3 of the assailants. The fourth suspect managed to escape. Troops retrieved one AK-47 rifle loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition. Ghana Police team arrived at the location subsequently to convey the deceased assailants to the morgue.”

This was contained in a press release dated January 18, signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Brigadier General E Aggrey-Quashie.

The AK-47 rifle with serial number 81-1/13024074 inspected by Bawku Divisional Police personnel is currently in own custody. In as much as GAF regrets the demise of the assailants, the escalating violence in the Bawku general area is unfortunate,” the GAF stated.

The press release added that, “It is instructive to note that directly engaging the military is a development that could result in fatal consequences, as troops will spare no opportunity to defend themselves as well as protect residents of Bawku. Therefore, factions in the Bawku conflict are cautioned against drawing the military into direct armed confrontation while efforts are undertaken to resolve the current impasse.”

The Ghana Armed Forces is “therefore imploring the support of all peace-loving Ghanaians, especially the good people of Bawku to facilitate the process of bringing lasting peace to the area and also to aid GAF and sister security agencies in de-escalating tension in the interest of peace, security and socioeconomic development of Bawku and the nation in general.”