Ghana cards are being used to target tribal groups in Bawku conflict - John Krugu

A disturbing trend has emerged in the escalating conflict in Bawku, Ghana, where the Ghana Card is allegedly being exploited to identify and target individuals based on their tribal affiliations.

John Krugu, the New Patriotic Party's parliamentary candidate for Zebilla, raised concerns about this misuse on Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, October 28.

The conflict has resulted in devastating consequences, with the Presbyterian Hospital in Bawku overwhelmed by casualties. Roads are blocked, preventing critically injured individuals from receiving medical attention in Bolgatanga. Krugu revealed that innocent lives have been lost, including those not affiliated with the primary groups in dispute, specifically Kusasis and Mamprusis.

“I am aware that people have not slept in the last two nights. It has been a full-fledged war ongoing and now you have a situation where two factional chiefs are living next to each other. Bawku is not a big town and each side is aiming at getting to the other person so you have an illegitimate chief who is sitting there and then you have the existing chief who is celebrating 40 years on the throne and then you have young men who are losing their lives.

“Last night, we got the message that there was no space to keep the injured at the Presbyterian Hospital, roads were blocked and you cannot carry the injured to Bolgatanga for treatment. The roads between Bolga and Tamale were blocked and people were being asked for their Ghana Cards to identify their tribal affiliation and to kill them.

“I am aware that some people who do not belong to the two tribes were mistakenly killed and this is a sad situation that we are having," Krugu stated, highlighting the complexity and spread of the conflict.

Recent Incidents:

- Gbimsi Blockade: Eight travelers were killed, and two vehicles set ablaze on Sunday, October 27, after gunmen blocked the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway.
- Identity-Based Attacks: Passengers were interrogated about their identities, sparking significant security concerns.

The situation has prompted increased police and military deployment in Bawku and surrounding areas to restore peace and prevent further escalation. The misuse of the Ghana Card has added a disturbing layer to the conflict, underlining the need for urgent action to protect innocent lives.

Source: Lead News Online