In a justification, the Ministry of National Security has given a breakdown of the monthly GH¢6,000,000 budget allocation it is receiving as result of the old age Bawku conflict.
According to a statement from the Ministry, it is therefore ‘unfortunate and mistaken’ for any one to think that the amount is unwarranted.
“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 stated.
The Member of Parliament (MP), Mahama Ayariga, blew Government’s cover on the amount the State is spending on Bawku conflict during a radio interview.
“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.”
“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”
“We must emphasise further that these funds are part of the general operational budget for the Ministry.
“The Ministry is, however, compelled to allocate these amounts to maintain peace in Bawku, when they could have been invested, instead, in enhancing Ghana’s capability to build resilience against the dire security threats such as terrorism and violent extremism spreading across the West African region,” it added.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
