The High Court has convicted six of the alleged coup plotters for counts of conspiracy to commit high treason and committing high treason. The Court has, however, acquitted Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Agordzo, Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli and one other junior military officer, Corporal Seidu Abubakar. The six convicted for plotting a coup have been sentenced to death by hanging. The six persons including three soldiers are; Donya Kafui, aka Ezor (a blacksmith) and Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu (a fleet manager), were found guilty of conspiracy to commit treason and treason, while Johannes Zikpi (a civilian employee of the Ghana Armed Forces) was found guilty of conspiracy to commit high treason. The three soldiers – Warrant Officer II Esther Saan Dekuwine, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, and Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit high treason. Wednesday’s judgment date was fixed on November 22, 2023, after the parties had all filed their respective written submissions. Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, the Chief Executive Officer of Citadel Hospital (now deceased) and ACP Dr. Agordzo together with eight others were charged variously on April 24, 2021, for conspiracy to high treason, abetment to high treason and high treason. Dr Mac Palm (A1- now Deceased), Donya Kafui alias Ezor (A2), Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu alias Bright Alan Yeboah (A3), Yohannes Zikpi (A4), Warrant Officer Class Two Esther Saan Dekuwine (A6), Cpl Seidu Abubakar (A7), Lance Corporal Ali Solomon (A8) and Cpl Sylvester Akanpewon (A9) were charged for conspiracy to commit high and high treason. Col. Samuel Kodzo Gameli (A5) and ACP Dr Benjamin Agordzo (A10) have each been charged for abetment. All 10 accused (then) pleaded not guilty and have been granted bail while standing trial. However, following the death of Dr Mac-Palm (A1) who was then in the witness box giving testimony, his evidence was deleted from the records after his passing away was confirmed to the Court. AG’s team From the Attorney General’s (AG) Department, the AG Godfred Yeboah Dame led prosecution also included Mrs Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, Director of Public Prosecution, Hilda Craig, a Principal State Attorney (PSA) Winifred Sarpong, PSA, Ms. Lawrencia Adika, State Attorney and Akosua Agyapomaa Agyemang, Assistant State Attorney among others. Defence lawyers For the Defence, Ms. Rita Akukunti Ali, a lawyer from Legal Aid with Osei Kwabena and Linda Elikem Mensah represented Bright Allan Debrah Fosu, the third accused. Lawyer Victor Kodjogah Adawudu represented Donya Kafui alias Ezor, (A2), CPL Seidu Abubakar, (A7), LAC Ali Solomon, (A8) and CPL Sylvester Akanpewon (A9) while Lawyer Anthony Lartey and Eric Kpongo are lawyers for Col. Samuel Kodzo Gamelie, the fourth accused. Lamptiig Apanga leads Matthias Yir-Eru as lawyers for Esther Saan Dekuwine, the sixth accused. Lawyer Kormivi Dzotsi, being led by Martin Kpebu, represents ACP Benjamin Agordzo, the 10th Accused while Lawyer Ephraim A. Vordoagu and Lawyer Maud Opoku were those representing Dr Mac-Palm until his demise. They were discharged after the Court was informed officially of their client’s passing. Court panel The three-member panel of judges are Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba and Justice Stephen Oppong, all three are Justices of the Court of Appeal sitting as additional High Court judges. Justice Asare-Botwe is the President of the panel. State witnesses When the trial eventually started, State Prosecutors handling the case involving the alleged Coup trial closed their case after parading 13 witnesses including seven soldiers. The seven soldiers among the 13 witnesses included Col. Isaac Amponsah, Director, and Operational Intelligence at the Defence Intelligence Unit of the Ghana Armed Forces (First Prosecution Witness). On July 12, 2022, the Prosecution closed its case after calling 13 witnesses in the trial which started on June 8, 2021. Credit: Citinewsroom

A 21-year-old father only identified as Bright is in the grips of the Awutu Bereku District Police Command over the death of his three-weeks old baby. Bright according to reports has killed the baby for suspected money rituals at Fetteh Kakraba in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region. The unfortunate incident occurred on Monday night when he came to visit the baby and his mother. In an interview with Adom News, Bright’s friend narrated the baby was asleep while his mother had stepped out to buy something. He asked his unsuspecting friend to go and bring the baby from the room which he did, without knowing he had ulterior motives. “I met Bright on the school park with the baby and a few minutes later, the mother called that he was missing,” he narrated. A resident disclosed a search party was launched for the baby immediately after the news about the baby’s disappearance broke out. Bright’s friend was apprehended after the group had a tip-off that he was the one who took the baby out of the room. The accomplice led the search party to the school park but Bright had already killed the baby when they got there. Bright and his friend have been arrested and assisting with investigations. Credit: Adomfmonline

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties. The decision was taken after the Black Stars crashed out of AFCON 2023 without a win in their three group games. The GFA’s statement, published four hours after Ghana’s early exit from the tournament in Ivory Coast was confirmed, added that the technical team had also been dissolved. The FA said it will, in the coming days, “provide a roadmap on the future of the Black Stars” Hughton was appointed in February 2023, replacing Otto Addo whose contract with the men’s senior national team expired after the 2022 World Cup. He was tasked with overseeing the remainder of  Ghana’s qualifiers for AFCON 2023, taking the team to the tournament in Ivory Coast, as well as supervising the start of the Stars’ 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Prior to taking over as head coach, Hughton was named as the Technical Adviser of the Black Stars, ahead of the two-legged playoffs for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria, remaining in the role for the Qatar tournament. Hughton oversaw 13 matches as Black Stars head coach, with a record of four wins, five draws and four losses. In nine competitive matches, Hughton’s side picked up three wins, two losses and four draws. The Black Stars’ performances under the former Brighton, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest manager have earned as much scrutiny as the results, culminating in the disappointing AFCON 2023 showing. His selections and management of games have often been questioned by fans and pundits. Following a loss in the opening match to Cape Verde and draws with Egypt and Mozambique, Ghana exited the AFCON for the second straight edition at the group stage. Hughton accepted responsibility for the poor performances in the Ivory Coast. “I take responsibility for this performance and admit my results with the Black Stars have not been good enough,” he told the media after Monday’s 2-2 draw with Mozambique. The Black Stars will now have to regroup after the latest disappointment, with rumours of two international friendlies being planned for March against world champions Argentina and China. They will then turn their attention back to the World Cup qualifiers which return in June, with matches against Mali and the Central African Republic. Credit: Citi Sports

Ghana Football Association Executive Council Member, Dr. Randy Abbey has called for calm amidst Ghana’s disappointing 2023 AFCON campaign. Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana show on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the former Black Stars management member averred it is important Ghanaians put what has transpired in Ivory Coast behind us and look ahead to a brighter future. “There is a lot of disappointment, anger and frustration, the team has let everybody down and we need to pick up the pieces together, try and do things differently and also make amends,” he said. He added that the team can make amends by qualifying to the 2024 AFCON in Morocco and hoist the flag of Ghana higher. “I can understand the emotions of people, you might consider some overboard but I think at this stage the level of disappointment and embarrassment is quite heavy”. Ghana’s abysmal performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has generated a lot of anger and frustration with a section of the fans calling for the dissolution of the technical team and playing body. In an embarrassing fashion the Black Stars lost their first game 2-1 against Cape Verde before playing a 2-2 stalemate with seven times AFCON champions Egypt. The team rounded up their Group stage game with another shocking 2-2 draw against the Mambas of Mozambique. A result that leaves Ghana hanging on thread and may have to wait for other results before knowing their fate in the tournament. Credit: metroonline

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has reminded artisanal salt miners, large-scale salt producers, importers, transporters, salt storage facility operators and retailers of edible salt to immediately regularise their operations with the Authority. According to the FDA, the reminder is in pursuance of the provisions of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), and to ensure the public is protected from Iodine Deficiency Disorders. In a communique signed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Delese A. A. Darko, it said "Per Section 107 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), all salt meant for human and animal consumption shall be iodised as prescribed by GS 154:2017; Spices and Condiments-Specification of Salt Fortified with Iodine" "Section 130 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), stipulates that all salt-producing / manufacturing facilities shall be licensed" The communique also added that it was also mandatory under Section 97 of Act 851 for all packaged salt to be registered before being put on the market or displayed or offered for sale. "It must further be noted that Section 107(6)(c) of Act 851 prescribes that salt for industrial purposes should not be transported unless it is covered by a permit issued by the Authority" "Section 97 also states that a person commits an offence if that person imports unregistered salt, exports, distributes, supplies, sells, or exposes for sale, unregistered salt." The FDA note that Market surveillance conducted by the Authority through a survey of the artisanal salt industry in 2023 revealed major non-compliances by stakeholders particularly producers of non-prepackaged or unpackaged rock salt. "Producing salt in facilities with structural and operational deficiencies which can impact the safety and quality of the finished product; and salt in trade not iodized as required by law. These actions contravene Sections 97 and 107 of Act 851" The FDA reiterates that the non-iodization of edible salt as required by law constitutes a major violation and is a major public health concern. "All artisanal salt producer associations and artisanal salt producers, large-scale salt manufacturers, salt storage facility operators, salt transporters, and retailers are therefore being notified to regularise their operations with the FDA" "Operators of artisanal salt facilities should contact the nearest FDA Office in the various regions or districts for further information and technical assistance where necessary" The FDA stressed that the public is hereby cautioned that those who violate the provisions of salt iodisation in Act 851 will be prosecuted. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana conceded twice in stoppage time to throw away a two-goal lead to draw with Mozambique and almost certainly exit the Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars looked to be cruising into the last 16 thanks to two Jordan Ayew penalties, one in each half. But Geny Catamo pulled one back from the spot on 91 minutes before Reinildo Mandava's header broke Ghana hearts. Mozambique finish bottom of Group B, while Ghana need a miracle to progress as one of four best third-placed sides. It is still mathematically possible for Chris Hughton's side to qualify for the knockout stages but, with just two points to their name, they need a number of results in other groups to go their way. If they do exit the competition, the four-time champions can have few complaints, having not only looked lethargic throughout against the Mambas but in their previous outings as well. When the board went up for six minutes of additional time, the West Africans were heading through as runners-up, leapfrogging Egypt, who were drawing against Cape Verde in Monday night's other Group B game. And while the Pharaohs briefly took the lead, they were pegged in the 99th minute in a 2-2 draw - meaning Ghana would have gone through at Egypt's expense had the Black Stars not capitulated. Credit: BBC Sports

The Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Limited Company (BOST) has presented a cheque of GHc500,000 to the leadership of the Holy Trinity Cathedral towards resuscitation of its dilapidated school infrastructure. The presentation comes following the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the existence of BOST. Managing Director of BOST, Dr. Edwin Alfred Nii Obodai Provencal (PhD) made the presentation to the church over the weekend. It will be recalled that the Holy Trinity Cathedral Senior High School (HOTCASS), a once vibrant institution, has been thrust into distress and uncertainty as its nine-classroom one storey building has had parts of its roof ripped off during a rainstorm three years ago, transforming the building into a potential death traps. The consequences of this devastating event are far-reaching. affecting its students, not only in the immediate aftermath, but also leaving lasting negative effects on their academic, emotional, and psychological well-being. Witnessing and experiencing the potential dangers of an unstable structure has left the students questioning their own safety, creating a sense of fear and uncased that lingers on long after the incident. The school, which was founded in October 1969 as a private day school by the Anglican Church of the Most Holy Trinity, was later in September 1974 changed into the public curriculum system, making it a fully changed Government Senior High School with a total population of a little over 1,000 students. The building once stood proudly as an architectural gem, with its soaring roofs and large classrooms, and was a symbol of progress and modernity Gradually, the roof began to weaken, leading to a catastrophic event when it was ripped off, exposes years of neglect in maintaining vital infrastructure. Inadequate funding and a lack of consistent repairs gradually eroded the roofs durability, exposing the pupils to extreme weather conditions. BOST believes that the presentation will help the church  resuscitate what has been described as a death trap for students of the Senior High School. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Limited Company, BOST held a thanksgiving service over the weekend to commemorate the 30th anniversary of its existence. The event was to give thanks to God for his grace and mercies for keeping the company alive and thriving despite the myriad of challenges it has faced in the course of the three decades. Addressing the gathering, the chairman of the board of directors, Mr. Ekow Hackman who likened the situation of BOST in recent past to the corporate equivalent of the ‘Valley of the shadow of death’ stressed that, the company has every reason to be thankful to the Lord. He outlined that, the average lifespan of fortune 500 companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange has declined from 61 in 1958 to 17 years by 2018 according to recent research on corporate insolvency in the United States. Thirty years of existence as a corporate entity is therefore no mean a milestone and giving thanks to God for same is in the right direction. He expressed the hope that since the world is a stage and ‘men’ are the actors as Shakespeare said, their contribution to the fortunes of the company shall echo positively in the years to come. He, on behalf of the board and management of the company entreated all present to thank God for the milestone and the energy, wisdom and determination of the board, management and staff of BOST to keep advancing the company from strength to strength. On his part, Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh described BOST as a shining example of state-owned enterprise management excellence which should inspire the remaining SOEs to up their game to make meaningful contributions towards the development of the nation. He added that, given the situation of the company in the recent past, paying off the accrued debts to suppliers, BDCs and the domestic banks in a record time to declare two successive years of profit merit every thanks to God for granting the individual players the knowledge, wisdom, and will-power to steer the affairs of the company. He added that, the pivotal role BOST has played in the implementation of the Gold for Oil policy which is targeted at stabilizing the foreign exchange, petroleum process and to stall inflation is a testament to the fact that SOEs have the capacity to do what is needful to advance the course of the nation; leadership is just what makes the difference. The Managing Director, Dr. Edwin Alfred Provencal expressed gratitude to all who in diverse ways have helped shape the BOST story with a promise to continue doing more until the mandate is achieved and exceeded. Plaques were presented to the foundation board and staff of the company for sowing a seed which has grown into a preferred partner in the energy sector of Ghana. The founding Managing Director, Dr. Kwabena Donkor was among the individuals who were recognised for their efforts in seeing the BOST vision come to reality. The all-white event which started at the Most Holy Trinity Cathedral was witnessed by about 500 persons including staff and members of the media fraternity. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Council of Zongo Chiefs of Ghana say they are praying fervently for Flagbearer of the New patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to be sworn-in as President and Vice President respectively on 7th January, 2025. At a Special Quran Recitation & Prayers to Allah for the New Patriotic Party's victory in the 2024 general elections on Friday, 19th January, 2024 at Kantudu behind the Kumasi Central Mosque held after Magrib prayers, the zongo chiefs also prayed for Dr. Bawumia to select Energy Minister and MP for Manhyia South as his running mate for the upcoming elections. Dr. Prempeh according to the chiefs was the best partner to Dr. Bawumia to take Ghana to its next level from 2025. Speaking on behalf of the prayer congregation after the Quran recitation, Chief of Frafra and President of Council of Zongo Chiefs Alhaji Musah said they were praying for Dr. Bawumia and Dr. Prempeh because they have what it takes spiritually to lead Ghana to its next level. “It is our wish that Dr. Bawumia will be sworn-in as President come 7th January, 2025 with Dr. NAPO as his Vice President. I know that our toil tonight in this recitation will not be in vain” Alhaji Musah said. He continued “We pray that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's best choice for the running mate will be our own brother, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh. May Allah not let our toil be in vain” The Zongo chiefs further expressed the optimism and faith in Allah that, as they have prayed, God will answer through Dr. Bawumia to make Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh his running mate in order for Allah's wills for Ghana to come to pass. Credit: 3news

Independent Presidential Candidate, Alan Kyerematen, has admonished the military personnel who have been sent to Bawku to help provide security and ensure that the people live in peace. He asked them to continue to act professionally to ensure that no human life is wasted while protecting their lives. In a statement, he said “Like many Ghanaians, the unfortunate killing of three men by the soldiers from the Ghana Armed Forces in Bawku, as confirmed by the military in a press release dated 20th January, 2024 that it was an action taken to neutralise some assailants, troubled my heart greatly. The innocent, hardworking, and kind-hearted people of Bawku deserve to live in peace and harmony. Living in fear and a constant sense of insecurity is the worst thing that can happen to every human being. “I, therefore, wish to humbly admonish the respected military personnel who have been posted to Bawku to help provide security, and ensure that the good people of Bawku live in peace, to continue to act professionally to indeed ensure that no human life is wasted while protecting their lives. Our ultimate duty to God and country is to protect the lives of the people there. “Let us not cease to be mindful that every human life is as precious and priceless as ours. Let's therefore learn to be each other's keeper and continue to work towards a lasting peace in the Bawku area and beyond. We are one people from different backgrounds. We are Ghanaians.  We are peace-loving people. Let's give peace a chance in BAWKU. God bless our Homeland Ghana to rise again!” Former President John Dramani Mahama also called for close collaboration between the military and the Police in providing security at Bawku. Mr Mahama said he was saddened and disturbed by recent shootings in the Bawku municipality and the killing of three men. In a statement, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said “While I recognise that our security services face the difficult task of securing peace in the Bawku area, 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. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time, even as I call upon the people of Bawku to endeavour to promote and consolidate peace to enable the positive development of the municipality of Bawku. Let us all work together to ensure justice is served and peace is restored in Bawku.” Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has explained the circumstances under which three persons who fired at its troops in Bawku were neutralized. The GAF said the act of neutralization occurred in retaliation to attack on its troops. “…at about 2030 hrs on the same day {January 18}, own troops conducting night foot patrols around Hasania School at Sabongari were fired upon by 4 gunmen. Troops returned fire spontaneously neutralising 3 of the assailants. The fourth suspect managed to escape. 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.” This was contained in a press release dated January 18, signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Brigadier General E Aggrey-Quashie. The press release added that, “It is instructive to note that directly engaging the military is a development that could result in fatal consequences, as troops will spare no opportunity to defend themselves as well as protect residents of Bawku. Therefore, factions in the Bawku conflict are cautioned against drawing the military into direct armed confrontation while efforts are undertaken to resolve the current impasse.” The Ghana Armed Forces is “therefore imploring the support of all peace-loving Ghanaians, especially the good people of Bawku to facilitate the process of bringing lasting peace to the area and also to aid GAF and sister security agencies in de-escalating tension in the interest of peace, security and socioeconomic development of Bawku and the nation in general.” Bawku has been in the news lately because unknown gunmen earlier fired into a group of people at the community center in the town on Wednesday, January 17, resulting in the death of two persons, while four others were injured. The Member of Parliament for Bawku Mr Mahama Ayariga described the incident as dastardly and unacceptable. Mr Ayariga called on law enforcement agencies to act immediately to arrest and deal with the perpetrators. Commenting on this matter earlier on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 on Thursday, January 18 with Alfred Ocansey, Mr Ayariga said “It is unfortunate that we continue to experience this situation that has caused so many lives to be lost, so many people to be injured and hospitalized and so much property to be lost in Bawku central constituency. “…those who were killed yesterday, that was dastardly, that was unacceptable and the perpetrators must be searched for by the law enforcement agencies and dealt with.” Last week the Minister for the Interior, by Executive Instrument, renewed the curfew hours imposed on Bawku Municipality and its environs in the Upper East Region from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am effective Friday, January 12, 2024. The government called on Chiefs, Elders, Opinion Leaders, Youth and people of the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them as well as to use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace. Meanwhile, there is a total ban on all persons in the afore-mentioned communities and their environs from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapon and any persons found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted. Credit: 3news

Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie has been elected the National Democratic Congress' Parliamentary Candidate for the Odododiodioo constituency ahead of the 2024 General Elections. Alfred garnered 1209 votes while his contender, Emmanuel Nii Okai Laryea polled 952 votes out of the total votes of 2161. Sunday's election had previously been suspended indefinitely after a disqualified candidate, Michael Nii Yarboi Annan filed a court injunction. The court further granted the injunction forcing the elections to be suspended until the matter is resolved. “We wish to inform you that the party was served with a notice of interlocutory injunction by a parliamentary candidate aspirant of the Odododiodoo constituency who was disqualified from contesting the primaries,” a statement from the party read. However, over 2100 NDC delegates from the Odododiodioo constituency in the Greater Accra Region participated in Sunday's election despite the interlocutory injunction application filed by Mr Yarboi Anan. His victory now paves the way for him to begin his campaign in the constituency and contribute to the NDC's fort to secure victory in the December polls. Credit: 3news

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has expressed concern over allegations by some individuals in Bawku and the media that soldiers deployed on Operation Maida Buuri to restore calm in the area have killed 3 innocent Kusasi youth at Sabongari, a suburb of Bawku. In a press release dated January 20, GAF assured the general public of its fervent commitment to protecting the citizenry. GAF is “therefore imploring the support of all peace-loving Ghanaians, especially the good people of Bawku to facilitate the process of bringing lasting peace to the area and also to aid GAF and sister security agencies in de-escalating tension in the interest of peace, security and socioeconomic development of Bawku and the nation in general.” According to the press release signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, “It is also alleged that the assailants were initially held in custody by own troops and subsequently executed. It was further suggested that the Missiga Assemblyman personally approached the Bawku Detachment at about 1930hrs to negotiate the release of the deceased assailants. GAF wishes to categorically state that these allegations are false and unfounded.” Stating its side of the story, GAF said, “Reports from 11 Mechanised Battalion deployed in Bawku indicate that factions to the conflict appear to have resumed escalation of violence with fatal consequences. The current streak of violence begun on Friday 12 January 2024 at about 1455hrs with the murder of one Issah Halidu, a 40-year-old Mamprusi. The deceased reportedly attempted rustling 4 cattle at Avengo, a Kusasi dominated settlement, but was pursued by unidentified gunmen and shot in the head and back. Troops dispatched to the scene retrieved two 7.62 x 39mm live rounds from the deceased's pocket. On the night of Friday 12 January and early hours of Saturday 13 January 2024, sporadic gunshots were heard at New Station, Daduuri and Maziama. On Wednesday 17 January 2024, at about 1320 hrs, unknown gunmen attacked members of the public behind Bawku Divisional Police Station killing 2 victims and injuring 4 others. The deceased victims were of the Mamprusi and Moshie tribe while the other victims with various degrees of injuries were of Bissa, Busanga and Grushie descent. On the same day, at about 2000hrs, unknown assailants murdered one Azumah Alhassan, a 47-year-old Kusasi Professor at Sokabisi, Bolgatanga. This spawned sporadic gunshots at Bawku later at night. Furthermore, on Thursday 18 January 2024 at about 0430hrs, unknown gunmen hiding in a valley fired at own troops position at Avengo. In another development, at about 0530 hrs same day, a Ghana Police patrol team spotted 2 locals attempting to light up a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bomb at a Goil Filling Station in Bawku. The suspects fled upon sighting the patrol team leaving behind the bomb. Ghana Police retrieved the Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) and handed over same for safe custody at 11 Mechanised Battalion Magazine at Bazua. It is worth mentioning that at about 2030 hrs same day, own troops conducting night foot patrols around Hasania School at Sabongari were fired upon by 4 gunmen. Troops returned fire spontaneously neutralising 3 of the assailants. The fourth suspect managed to escape. 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 own custody. In as much as GAF regrets the demise of the assailants, the escalating violence in the Bawku general area is unfortunate. The presence and attempt to detonate high explosives such as RPG bombs in the operational environment signposts the changing dynamics of the threat profile. Following these incidents and subsequent false allegations making the rounds, GAF finds it necessary to disclose details of the operations on Thursday 18 January 2024 with the view to debunking false information and the unsubstantiated notion that a particular group is being targeted by troops deployed in Bawku. It is instructive to note that directly engaging the military is a development that could result in fatal consequences; as troops will spare no opportunity to defend themselves as well as protect residents of Bawku. Therefore, factions in the Bawku conflict are cautioned against drawing the military into direct armed confrontation while efforts are undertaken to resolve the current impasse.” Credit: 3news