Former president John Mahama has condemned the killing of a soldier in Bawku, Upper East Region, by unknown gunmen, describing the act as unacceptable and a threat to peace and stability.
Speaking during his ‘Thank You’ tour in Bolgatanga, Mahama emphasized that the military personnel deployed to the area are peacekeepers and should not be targeted in a conflict they are not involved in.
“The members of the Ghana Armed Forces in the conflict zone are peacekeepers who have been sent there to protect life, limb, and property. It is unacceptable for them to become targets of a conflict to which they are not a party,” he stated.
The deceased, believed to be a warrant officer, was reportedly on foot when he was shot dead by the gunmen.
Mahama extended his condolences to the bereaved family and urged security agencies to use intelligence-led operations to bring the perpetrators to justice.
However, he also condemned the military’s alleged brutalities against innocent residents following the soldier’s death.
“I wish to condemn the high-handed response of our men in uniform, which resulted in assaults and injury of many innocent civilians. I can understand the righteous anger at the loss of a colleague serviceman, but we must exercise restraint and use effective intelligence gathering to identify and bring the culprits to book,” he urged.
He further called on all parties involved in the Bawku conflict to return to peace negotiations, warning that continued instability would hinder development and put innocent lives at risk.