The Ministry of National Security has addressed concerns raised by Mahama Ayariga, the Bawku Central Member of Parliament, who questioned the Ministry’s monthly budget allocation of GH¢ 6,000,000 for handling the Bawku conflict.
The Ministry clarified its role in coordinating nationwide security operations with relevant security and intelligence agencies.
Mr. Ayariga alleged that the National Security Minister receives GH¢ 18 million quarterly to address the ongoing conflict in Bawku. He stated that this funding is meant for various security operations and initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region. Mr. Ayariga also accused the Akufo-Addo government, particularly the National Security Ministry, of profiting from the suffering of Bawku’s people.
In an interview on Woezor TV on Sunday, August 4, Mr. Ayariga expressed his dissatisfaction, calling for greater transparency and accountability in managing these resources. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive audit to ensure the funds are effectively addressing the conflict.
“For a long time, Bawku has been grappling with insecurity, which I believe was largely created by the promises of the NPP. The reports and credible documents I have cited indicate that the National Security Minister takes GHS18 million quarterly in the name of dealing with the Bawku conflict, which means that every month, the National Security Minister takes GHS6 million while the people are struggling in poverty,” he said.
Reacting to Ayariga in a statement, the Ministry of National Security said “In response to the sharp and troubling escalation of the inter-ethnic tensions in Bawku in 2021, which led to the tragic loss of hundreds of innocent lives, including women and children, displacement of people, and disruption of economic activities, the Ministry, as a matter of urgency, established a special operation in February 2023 to maintain peace in Bawku and its environs, as well as other areas in the North East Region affected and impacted by the conflict.
In response, the Ministry of National Security released a statement outlining their actions. In 2021, escalating inter-ethnic tensions in Bawku led to tragic loss of life, displacement, and economic disruption. In February 2023, the Ministry established a special operation to maintain peace in Bawku and surrounding areas, allocating a monthly budget of GH¢ 6,000,000 to support these efforts. The funds cover operational costs such as fuel for Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), food rations for the Special Task Force, special intelligence operations, and civil-military activities to foster societal cohesion.
“A budget allocation of Gh¢ 6,000,000 per month was made to support these operations, which included a Special Task Force. These funds cover essential operational costs, such as fuel supplies for Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other operational vehicles; the provision and delivery of food rations for personnel of the Task Force; special intelligence operations, and other civil-military activities aimed at building societal cohesion and stability in Bawku.”
The Ministry explained that upon receiving the funds, they distribute them to participating security and intelligence agencies to support logistics and personnel involved in operations, with the mandate of protecting lives and livelihoods in the area.
The Ministry further clarified that these funds are part of its general operational budget and are allocated to maintain peace in Bawku, which could otherwise be used to enhance Ghana’s resilience against regional security threats like terrorism and violent extremism.
“It is unfortunate and mistaken for Hon. Ayariga, as a Member of Parliament, to politicize such matters. His statements can misinform citizens, reignite tensions, and endanger state security personnel involved in operations. The Ministry of National Security remains committed to its mandate to sustain operations in Bawku and safeguard the peace and stability of the country,” the statement concluded.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu
