By Christiana Afua Nyarko, GNA
Accra, April 27, GNA – The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that an escort convoy protecting civilians came under attack by unidentified gunmen at Binduri in the Upper East Region, resulting in the death of three civilians and injuries to one other.
A statement issued by the GAF, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the incident occurred Monday morning when the convoy, conveying about 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga, was ambushed and fired upon multiple times.
The statement, signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, noted that the military personnel escorting the convoy responded swiftly and successfully repelled the attack, leading to the death of seven of the assailants.
In pursuit of the attackers, troops retrieved a G3 automatic rifle, two filled magazines of 20 rounds each, and 176 rounds of additional ammunition from an escapee who fled into a mosque,” the statement said.
It added that 10 other suspects had since been arrested and were assisting with ongoing investigations.
The GAF cautioned the public against interfering with military operations and urged full cooperation with security agencies to ensure safety in the area.
The military also extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The attack occurred as a result of the long-standing security tensions in and around Bawku in the Upper East Region, where recurring communal violence, largely linked to chieftaincy disputes between Kusasi and Mamprusi factions, has led to periodic outbreaks of armed clashes.
Over the years, the Ghana Armed Forces and other security agencies have maintained a sustained presence in the area, often providing armed escorts for civilians traveling between high-risk routes such as Bawku and Bolgatanga.
The Government has also imposed measures including curfews, weapon retrieval operations, and joint military-police patrols to contain the violence.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe