Security Analyst Colonel Festus Aboagye (Rtd)
Security analyst, Colonel Festus Aboagye (Rtd), has urged caution in the government’s approach to resolving the long-standing conflict in Bawku, warning against making promises that may prove difficult to honour.
His comments come in response to recent remarks by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who announced plans for special recruitment opportunities for the youth in the troubled region.
During an appearance on The Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, April 12, Colonel Aboagye expressed concern over the timing and potential consequences of such promises.
“I think the IGP spoke ahead of time, even if that was going to be one of the options, this is not the time to say that,” he cautioned.
He stressed that unfulfilled commitments could do more harm than good, especially in volatile areas like Bawku where tensions run high and trust in state authority is often fragile.
“We must be careful not to make statements we cannot fulfil, it will set a bad precedent, then the galamseyers will say if you recruit us into the army we will stop,” he added, pointing to the broader implications of offering security-related incentives as a conflict resolution tool.
Colonel Aboagye’s concerns follow the IGP’s visit to Bawku on Friday, April 11, where Dr. Dampare sought to calm nerves and build community trust. In his address, the IGP stated,
“When it comes to recruitment, we will give the people of Bawku priority. We will give the youth of Bawku priority, and so for that matter, a special team will come here to do special recruitment for the youth of Bawku.”
Acknowledging the resilience of the people in the area, he added, “I know how hardworking people from this area are.
“So we are pleading with you—just let us know where we are going wrong so we can quickly correct those things and make sure that you continue to work with our people diligently.”
The IGP further appealed for forgiveness where there had been lapses on the part of the police service. “Where, by mistake, we have done something wrong, forgive us. We won’t repeat those things again,” he said.
While the intentions behind the IGP’s assurances may have been to foster goodwill, experts like Colonel Aboagye believe that sensitive, long-term security challenges require more measured and strategically grounded communication to avoid further complicating already delicate situations.
