In a surprising twist to efforts aimed at restoring calm in the conflict-ridden town of Bawku, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has announced a bold plan to offer special recruitment into the Ghana Police Service for local youth — including those believed to be involved in recent violent clashes — if they disarm and commit to peace.
The announcement came during the IGP’s visit to Bawku on Friday, following renewed unrest and a recent attack on the residence of Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, which was partially torched by unidentified assailants suspected to be local militants.
The incident added to an already volatile situation driven by longstanding chieftaincy conflicts and sporadic violence between civilians and security forces.
“I’m coming here to talk to my brothers and sisters,” the IGP said.
“Let them know that the police, the military, and other security services are here for peace.”
Speaking directly to the youth, many of whom have been accused of participating in gun violence and attacks on public infrastructure, he offered a controversial but conciliatory message: stop the fighting, and you’ll be given jobs.
“We assure you that when it comes to recruitment, we’ll give the youth of Bawku priority,” COP Yohuno declared.
“A special team will come here to do special recruitment. I know how hardworking people from this area are.”
The offer is seen as a strategic attempt to reintegrate disaffected youth into the national security framework, turning former combatants into peacekeepers.
But it also raises eyebrows, as it effectively opens the door for individuals previously involved in armed confrontations to join the police — a force they were once fighting.
Acknowledging concerns from residents about police misconduct in the area, the IGP publicly asked for forgiveness.
“We are the people to work with you,” he said during a meeting with the Bawku Naba and other traditional authorities.
“And as a result of doing this work, one or two people will commit some mistakes. So let us make sure that we correct those mistakes so that we continue to work together.”
He continued, “Forgive us and let us know where we have gone wrong and we will correct it.”
His visit also sought to address the fear among security personnel who, he admitted, have become hesitant to operate freely due to rising tensions.
“The police were scared to do their work after tensions rose,” he confessed.
The IGP appealed to residents to report any wrongdoing by officers, stating, “If any individual commits anything wrong, let us know so that we can pull that person out of the area.”
Closing his remarks with a deeply personal appeal, COP Yohuno said, “Thank you very much for receiving us, and I hope that if I’m sleeping in Bawku tonight, I will not hear any gunfire. I’m going to test it tonight. If for the next three days I don’t hear any gunfire, then I know you have received my message.”
The IGP’s offer has been described by some as a high-risk gamble but by others as a pragmatic solution to a complex crisis.
–BY Daniel Bampoe
