Prison Service probes clash between Military and Prison officers in Bawku

The Ghana Prisons Service has initiated investigations into the altercation between its personnel and military officers in Bawku.

Last Wednesday, a dispute unfolded between military personnel and Ghana Prisons Service officers in Bawku, resulting in injuries to three prison officers.

The incident occurred when military personnel demanded the release of two individuals who had sought refuge within the prison yard to evade arrest. These individuals were allegedly involved in a disturbance during the official launch of Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka’s 40th-anniversary celebration at his palace on April 24, 2024.

After their disruptive behaviour, the two individuals attempted to flee when military personnel intervened. They sought shelter within the prison service yard along the Bawku main road.

During questioning by prison officers on duty, a confrontation erupted between the two security agencies. According to an anonymous resident who spoke to Graphic Online, this confrontation escalated to gunshots being fired.

As a consequence of the altercation, three prison officers sustained gunshot injuries and were promptly transported to the hospital for medical attention.

In a statement issued on Friday, April 26, the Prisons Service announced that a high-powered delegation from the prison headquarters was en route to the region and the Bawku Local Prison.

“He [Director General] has also caused an investigation into the incident which will lay bare the facts. Besides, a high-powered delegation from the Prisons Headquarters is on its way to the region and to the Bawku Local Prison, to ascertain facts of the matter and hold relevant discussions with the Regional Security Council,” it said.

It also noted the need for all officers especially those in Bawku to exercise the highest restraint whilst the required steps were taken by the authorities of the Prisons and the Army to get the matter resolved.

“As a disciplined institution, all officers are thus called upon to exhibit propriety, reverence and professionalism in their discourse on this matter and allow due process to take its course. Consequently, it is prudent to stop forthwith, all unsolicited postings of the events on social media, as the public Relations unit can handle same appropriately,” it said.