In a disturbing turn of events, a clash between peacekeeping troops and personnel of the Ghana Prison Service in Bawku, located in the Upper East Region, has resulted in numerous officers sustaining injuries.
The altercation reportedly took place at the Bawku Naba Palace during an inaugural ceremony marking the commencement of the 40th anniversary celebrations for the local chief. According to sources within the police force in Bawku, the conflict stemmed from a previous dispute regarding a missing phone, ultimately leading to the outbreak of violence on Wednesday, April 24.
Allegedly, soldiers assigned to provide security during the ceremony confronted and assaulted a prison officer who was also on duty at the palace, attributing the altercation to the missing phone. The injured prison officer was promptly transported to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
In a retaliatory response, prison officers from the Bawku Central Prisons swiftly converged at the Palace, reportedly brandishing firearms as they engaged the soldiers on duty. It is reported that gunshots were fired by the prison officers in an attempt to disarm the soldiers, followed by physical assaults. Subsequently, the injured soldiers were also transported to the Vineyard Hospital in Bawku for medical attention.
Upon being alerted, law enforcement authorities intervened to restore order and manage the escalating situation. At present, the police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. However, it has been disclosed that the leadership of both security agencies is actively working towards a peaceful resolution of the matter.
This regrettable incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining professionalism and cooperation among different branches of security forces. The repercussions of such internal conflicts can have far-reaching implications for public safety and security. As details continue to emerge, it is imperative that all parties involved prioritize dialogue and reconciliation in order to prevent any further escalation of tensions.
We fervently hope that swift and decisive measures will be taken to address the underlying issues and prevent similar occurrences in the future. Our thoughts are with the injured officers, and we express our sincere hope for their swift recovery.
-source 3news | curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
