The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced that following a directive by President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-In-Chief of the GAF, they have “with immediate effect transitioned from peacekeeping to peace enforcement operations in the area of Bawku and its environs” in the Upper East Region.

This was contained in a press release dated Tuesday, July 29, 2025, signed by Captain (Ghana Navy), Acting Director General (Public Relations), VA Arhin.

Reason  

“This transition to peace enforcement has become necessary due to activities of armed elements that have intermittently resulted in violence, reprisal attacks and innocent deaths highlighting a dangerous pattern that threatens not only Bawku but also the peace and security of our dear Nation,” the statement explained.

Scope

“Ghana Armed Forces operations during this period will be conducted in areas to include Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu and Zebilla.”

GAF said the peace enforcement phase will see them undertake “robust and purposeful operations that would enhance community protection, while ensuring sanity returns to affected areas”.

Curfew

“The military will use all necessary force to restore law and order during its operations and call on all citizens to adhere to law and order including all agreed restrictions during the period,” GAF emphasised.

“The renewed curfew period of the affected areas is from 2pm to 6am and will be enforced to the letter.”

Appeal

The latter part of the statement saw GAF “appeal to all well-meaning Ghanaians, particularly the good people of Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu, Zebilla and its environs to cooperate with the security forces”.

“Any attempt at distracting the operations and activities of the force in place, including attack on the security personnel, will be met with appropriate response,” GAF sternly warned.

“The Ghana Armed Forces remains firmly committed and in readiness to execute, its constitutional mandate to ensure that the country is peaceful and its citizens are safe,” the statement ended.