Gov’t retreats over ‘Weapon for Cash’ exercise in Bawku

Government has temporarily withdrawn its package to present cash to any Bawku resident who voluntarily surrenders weapons in their possession.

The exercise began a month ago but response has been slow, officials say.

Speaking on TV3’s News 360 on Thursday, Municipal Chief Executive Officer of the Bawku Municipal Assembly Issahaku Bukari said the Minister of Interior is currently in negotiation with the National Security Council for further directives especially on the amount to be given out as reward.

“They will come out with a package and after that package there will be a plan again to see those who have not [presented their weapons],” Mr Bukari stated.

He said the next line of action will be an exercise that will to search homes for those who still had weapons.

Bawku has witnessed ethnic clashes over the past years with a fatal clash recorded last month. So far, 19 persons have been arrested in connection to the clash.

Government in an attempt to stem the movement of arms in the municipality announced the special cash package for those who surrendered their weapons.

Residents have shot against the initiative, saying it will rather spur miscreants on to go for more weapons in order to get more cash.

The municipality is currently under 24-hour surveillance.

“We have the men on the ground,” said Bawku Divisional Police Commander Chief Superintendent Tefutor Koletse. “Fortunately, we have the regional command and Accra also supporting us.”