A recent surge in violence in Ghana’s North East Region has taken a serious turn, with a military crackdown reportedly leaving multiple civilians hospitalized and raising fears of widespread human rights violations. According to Ghana Web, military personnel have aggressively targeted residents in Walewale, Kukua, and Loagri within the West Mamprusi Municipality during several distressing incidents.
The crackdown came in response to a bus being set on fire by unidentified individuals on February 12, 2025, an act that appears to have sparked the harsh military reaction. Nevertheless, locals claim that innocent people have been unfairly caught in the backlash.
“We had nothing to do with what happened; we were just unfortunate to be there at the wrong time,” said a Walewale resident who preferred to remain unnamed for safety reasons.
The timeline of violent events includes January 14, February 12, and February 13, with numerous reports describing arbitrary beatings, unjust arrests, and terror imposed on whole communities, including women and children.
This incident adds to a concerning trend of government-endorsed force in the area. Human rights advocates are warning that without proper oversight, such military interventions could further inflame conflicts and deepen mistrust between the security forces and local populations.
Although the military asserts that their actions are essential for maintaining national security, calls for transparency and responsibility are gaining momentum. Community leaders and civil society organizations are demanding urgent inquiries and pushing for safeguards to ensure the protection of innocent civilians during security operations.
Communities affected by the crackdown are still coping with the aftermath, both physically and mentally. The North East remains a volatile region where the questions of justice, military restraint, and state accountability continue to loom large.
(source).