The Ministry of National Security has criticised the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, for his recent comments on the budget allocation to address the conflict in Bawku, and his doubts that it is being applied as desired. 

The Ministry said that Mr Ayariga's statements could potentially reignite tensions and endanger the lives of personnel from state security and intelligence agencies operating in the area. 

In a statement released on August 6, the Ministry emphasised that the lawmaker's remarks were regrettable and could undermine the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in Bawku.

• Read also: National Security Minister receives GHS6m monthly to manage the conflict in Bawku – Ayariga alleges

The Ministry further noted that it was particularly unfortunate for Ayariga to make such "unguarded comments" at a time when concerted efforts are being made to ensure stability and safety in the region.

"It is unfortunate and mistaken for Hon. Ayariga, who, given his position as a Member of Parliament, ought to be better informed about the complexities and necessities of national security operations, to politicise same.”

“Such statements have the potential to disinform and misinform the citizens of Bawku, reignite tensions, and endanger the lives of the personnel of state security and Intelligence agencies involved in the operations, and should, therefore, not be encouraged by well-meaning Ghanaians.”

The Ministry further stated that it is responsible for designing and coordinating security operations across the nation in collaboration with relevant security and intelligence agencies.

“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," the statement added.

Mr. Mahama alleged that the National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, received GH¢6,000,000 monthly from the Finance Ministry to manage the Bawku conflict.

Speaking on Woezor TV on Saturday, August 3, he claimed that despite the substantial funds allocated to the Ministry, there was no evidence of work being done. He subsequently challenged Mr. Kan-Dapaah to respond to his allegations.

"If it is not true, he should come out publicly and tell me that it is not true and I will show him the records that every quarter that this conflict has been going on, he takes 18 million Ghana cedis. This is scandalous, this is unfair, and inappropriate and the people of Bawku should know this."

"The people should know that the NPP government through its National Security Minister signs a cheque of 6 million Ghana cedis every month, 18 million every quarter is given to them by the Ministry of Finance in the name of solving their problems. But how have they solved that problem? The problem has not been solved."