Ministry of Nat’l Security justifies Gh¢6m monthly budget for Bawku conflict operations

The Ministry emphasised its role in designing and coordinating security operations nationwide, in collaboration with relevant security and intelligence agencies.

In a statement, the ministry explained that in response to the sharp escalation of inter-ethnic tensions in Bawku in 2021, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives, displacement of people, and economic disruption, the Ministry established a special operation in February 2023 to maintain peace in Bawku and surrounding areas in the North East Region.

To support these operations, a budget allocation of Gh¢ 6,000,000 per month was made. These funds cover essential operational costs such as fuel supplies for Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other vehicles, food rations for Task Force personnel, special intelligence operations, and civil-military activities aimed at building societal cohesion and stability in Bawku.

The Ministry clarified that these funds are distributed to participating security and intelligence agencies to support their logistics and personnel involved in the operations, with the core mandate of protecting the lives and livelihoods of all citizens in the area.

The Ministry emphasised that these funds are part of its general operational budget and are crucial for maintaining peace in Bawku, despite the potential alternative use of these funds to enhance Ghana’s resilience against security threats such as terrorism and violent extremism spreading across West Africa.

The Ministry described Mr Ayariga’s remarks as unfortunate and mistaken, stressing that, as a Member of Parliament, he should be better informed about the complexities and necessities of national security operations.

Such statements, according to the Ministry, have the potential to misinform the citizens of Bawku, reignite tensions, and endanger the lives of security personnel involved in the operations.

The Ministry of National Security reiterated its commitment to sustaining its operations in Bawku to safeguard the overall peace and stability of the country.