Ghana Armed Forces Regrets Handling Of Bawku Incident

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has expressed regret about the striping naked of some criminals in Bawku and says that disciplinary action is being taken against the personnel involved. In a statement signed by Colonel E.W.K Nibo, Director of Public Relations, the GAF said it was a case of indulgence in abuses or excesses by the personnel involved. �Obviously, this kind of conduct is unacceptable to the Armed Forces Command and regrettable� it stressed. The statement said, in as much as the whole incident was unfortunate and distasteful, the Military Command and the Armed Forces as a whole, �we must not forget the fact that it is unlawful to possess weapons and ammunitions in Bawku and its environs� it said the arrest of the two suspects with 34 rounds of ammunition should not be swept under the carpet. On allegations of misconduct, which include the rape of some females by the security forces deployed in Nalerigu to maintain law and order following the murder of Moses Alando Banaba, it said investigations into the allegations were not conclusive. However, as soon as investigations are concluded by the appropriate agencies, action would be taken against any personnel who would be found to have misconducted himself,� the statement added. It said that the Armed Forces do not condone any act of misconduct, abuses and excesses on the part of personnel and will always take preventive measures to address such cases swiftly and judiciously. Education of troops, it said, was continuing in order to ensure that they handle civilians in a humane manner to prevent recurrence and also strengthen civil-military relations. The statement further assured that the Military High Command would leave no stone unturned in providing security needed in conflict areas including Bawku and its environs. It however advised persons who want to undermine the peace and stability in the country to be wary of the consequences of their actions and desist from testing the resolve of the security forces to ensure peace and security in the country.