Mahama hails military for restoring calm in Bawku, other conflict areas

President John Mahama has commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their professionalism and discipline, crediting their efforts with helping to restore relative calm in Bawku and other conflict-prone areas of the country. Speaking at the End of Year West Africa Social Activity (WASSA) 2025 held at Burma Camp in Accra on Friday, January 23, President Mahama said Ghana’s security environment remains generally peaceful, despite isolated pockets of insecurity and conflict in areas such as Bawku, Alavanyo, Nkonya, Nkwanta, and Nantong. He noted that in a sub-region confronted with complex and evolving security challenges, Ghana continues to stand out as a beacon of stability and democratic resilience. According to him, this position is largely attributable to the professionalism, discipline, and sacrifices of the men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces in carrying out their constitutional mandate. “This enviable position is attributable in no small measure to the professionalism, discipline, and sacrifice of the men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces in the execution of your constitutional mandate—defending our territorial integrity, supporting the civil authority, providing humanitarian assistance, and contributing to national development,” the president said. President Mahama commended the military’s operations in Bawku and its surrounding areas, citing Operation Gong Gong and Operation Maiada Buuri as key interventions that have helped stabilise the security situation. “In this regard, I wish to commend the collective efforts of the Armed Forces under Operation Gong Gong and Operation Maiada Buuri in Bawku and its environs,” he stated. He emphasised that peace and security are crucial for national development, noting that the military’s professionalism has helped maintain relative calm. “Peace and security are the bedrock of development, and your professional conduct during these operations has significantly contributed to the relative calm we are witnessing in these areas today,” President Mahama said. He further praised the troops for their restraint, discipline, and adherence to the highest standards of military professionalism, describing their conduct as deserving of the nation’s deepest admiration.