NPP Loyal Ladies President
The NPP Loyal Ladies, a prominent women’s group affiliated with the New Patriotic Party, NPP, has raised serious concerns over recent suggestions by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding the possible recruitment of combatants involved in the protracted Bawku conflict into the Ghana Police Service.
In a strongly worded public appeal, the group urged the IGP to “reconsider any proposals to recruit and arm combatants from the Bawku conflict for the Ghana Police Service,” warning that such a move could deepen the country’s security challenges rather than resolve them.
Their caution comes amid swirling reports and local concerns that the Police leadership, during a recent visit to Bawku, hinted at the possibility of integrating individuals from opposing factions of the ethnic conflict into formal security roles.
While the IGP has not formally confirmed such plans, statements made during his visit have sparked public debate.
Drawing parallels from the troubled histories of Angola and Mozambique, where similar approaches were adopted, the Loyal Ladies pointed out that arming former fighters under the guise of reintegration only exacerbated tensions and prolonged instability.
“History has taught us harsh lessons, as seen in Angola and Mozambique, where the integration of UNITA and RENAMO fighters into the military only deepened the wounds of conflict, leading to years of turmoil instead of peace,” the group stated.
The Loyal Ladies stressed that individuals who have been part of armed conflict often carry unresolved trauma and deep-seated grievances, cautioning that these cannot be resolved merely by offering them positions within the police force.
“These individuals are driven by more than just the promise of a paycheck; they carry the weight of societal grievances that cannot be ignored,” the statement read.
The Bawku conflict, rooted in long-standing ethnic and chieftaincy disputes, has claimed numerous lives and continues to destabilize the Upper East Region.
Multiple attempts at resolution have fallen short, and the area remains heavily militarized.
Shift In focus
“Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past. Instead, we must confront the underlying issues fueling this conflict and work towards genuine solutions,” they wrote, emphasizing the need for grassroots-level dialogue and active community participation in peacebuilding.
Their message also carried a poignant reminder about the cost of conflict: “Remember, it is often the most vulnerable—women and children—who bear the brunt of these crises.”
In their closing remarks, the group made a heartfelt appeal for national unity and reconciliation: “Together, let’s choose a path of healing and unity over one of further militarization.”
–BY Daniel Bampoe
