The Wa West MP, Peter Lanchene Toobu, is worried over what he describes as a growing attempt to radicalise and arm the youth in the troubled Bawku area.

The retired police officer speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, April 14, said the situation must now be treated as a full-scale national security threat, not a local tribal dispute.

“The flow of weapons into Bawku is real. The proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in this country is a big challenge,” he said.

“We all believe that we need to do something very seriously to prevent it, very particularly in a volatile area like Bawku.”

Lanchene Toobu fears that the arms trade is feeding off the chaos, warning that, “It is possible that people in armed trade will be making a lot of money from the area.”

But more dangerously, he said, “It is possible that some people are interested in radicalising the youth.”

The rising death toll and recent targeted attacks on security forces in Bawku have deepened national concern.

Lanchene Toobu, himself a retired senior police officer, offered sobering advice to the men and women in uniform.

“First of all, let me convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and Ghana Police Service, having lost some men in the field,” he said solemnly.

He reminded officers deployed to the conflict zone that standard operating procedures are critical.

“In a situation like this, where it has become violent, professional hazards are expected. That is why SOPs are strictly enforced,” he said.

“You don’t go anywhere in town alone. You don’t go into town when you are not in uniform. You don’t go into town when you are not permitted by your command.”

The Wa West MP emphasised that Bawku is now a red zone. “The risk is high, and when the risk is higher, people in uniform must be extremely careful,” he warned.

Lanchene Toobu was also clear about the role of security forces in such volatile zones.

“You don’t go in there to be neutral,” he said. “The police should not be neutral in Bawku. They should be impartial.”

He explained, “Simply put, you are not a friend to any of the feuding parties. You are interested in them coming together and living peacefully. So if A does wrong, say so. If B does wrong, say it.”

He condemned any situation in which security forces, tasked with being impartial arbiters, become targets themselves.

“There shouldn’t be a point where the person who is in the middle to create a buffer and bring peace becomes a party to the matter and is being attacked. That’s very, very dangerous.”

Despite the growing complexity of the conflict, Peter Lanchene Toobu welcomed recent efforts by the new administration to prioritize peace in Bawku.

“That is why I support the President. When he was sworn in within the week, he said Bawku is a priority. And he demonstrated that,” he noted.

He praised the appointment of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to lead the mediation process.

“The Otumfuo-led mediation team is the one that will have to drive a solution, and bring that to bear.”