Former President John Mahama says he is saddened by the news of the death of three people in Bawku amid a rise in tensions.

This comes after the Ghana Armed Forces revealed that the men engaged in a gunfight with their troops leading to the death of the three while one other escaped.

In a statement on Facebook, the former President acknowledged the challenges the military faces while trying to secure peace in Bawku.

However, he believes that “the military must work hand in hand with the police to provide safety and security in the Bawku municipality and across the nation.”

“As a former Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, I urge the military personnel to remember their duty to protect the people and uphold the peace,” he added.

John Mahama also called on residents in Bawku to endeavour to promote and consolidate peace to enable the positive development of the municipality of Bawku.

This comes after the GFA refuted claims by Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, that they shot and killed innocent men.

• Bawku Conflict: 3 deceased men engaged in gunfight with military – MCE

The MP, on Newsfile, said that "eyewitnesses saw everything that happened. These boys were not exchanging fire with anybody; they were actually apprehended. They were sitting [when the soldiers approached]; one ran away, but the others were sitting because they had done nothing wrong.”

“They picked them up; the assemblyman came out and pleaded for them to release the boys. They refused, and ultimately they shot the boys,” he said.

But, in a press release, they admitted to their officers shooting three men but it was in self-defence after they were shot at.

• Also read; Bawku: The military apprehended and killed the young men without any reason – Ayariga

The GFA noted that “troops retrieved one AK-47 rifle loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition. Ghana Police team arrived at the location subsequently to convey the deceased assailants to the morgue.”

“The AK-47 rifle with serial number 81-1/13024074 inspected by Bawku Divisional Police personnel is currently in their own custody,” parts of the statement read.

• Read also: Bawku: Our officers did not intentionally open fire on innocent civilians – Ghana Armed Forces

The GFA cautioned against directly engaging the military in a gunfight. They stated that it could result in fatal consequences.

“Troops will spare no opportunity to defend themselves as well as protect residents of Bawku,” they added.