The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohonu, has revealed that he defied security intelligence advising him against entering Bawku during a recent outbreak of violence, saying he could not leave police officers behind while they were under attack.
Speaking during a meeting with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is leading peace mediation efforts in the troubled area, the IGP recounted the dire circumstances that prompted his decision.
“The whole place was in flames,” Yohonu said. “Our personnel’s accommodations were set on fire. I had to rush to Bawku despite the risks.”
According to the IGP, intelligence officials in Bolgatanga had urged him not to proceed to Bawku due to ongoing hostilities and imminent threats to his safety. However, Yohonu insisted that stopping short was not an option.
“My men were trapped. I couldn’t stop at Bolga. What would I tell my colleagues?” he stated.
During his visit to the conflict zone, the IGP met with the Bawku Naba and appealed for calm and reconciliation between local residents and security personnel. He acknowledged that in the course of law enforcement, errors may have occurred and called for national forgiveness.
“In doing our work, we may have made mistakes. We need national forgiveness,” he said, extending an olive branch to communities affected by the conflict.
Yohonu also expressed deep gratitude to the Asantehene for stepping in to help mediate the long-running conflict, which has been fueled by ethnic tensions and chieftaincy disputes.
“Your intervention brought relief to the military, police, and all security agencies,” he told Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, highlighting the morale boost his leadership had brought to security forces operating in the region.
Bawku has been a flashpoint for violence for years, with recurring clashes destabilizing the area and putting immense strain on security resources. The Asantehene’s involvement is seen as a significant step in the national effort to broker lasting peace.
, Christian Tetteh Yohonu, has revealed that he defied security intelligence advising him against entering Bawku during a recent outbreak of violence, saying he could not leave police officers behind while they were under attack.){kind=link}