Binduri Operation: Military Seizes Assault Rifles, Ammo After Easter Monday Shooting; Suspect Arrested

Following renewed incidents of gunfire and clashes in the Bawku area and its environs, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has intensified its operational presence, leading to a significant arms seizure in Binduri.

In a statement released on Monday, April 21, 2025, and signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, the Director General of Public Relations for the GAF, it was announced that troops had conducted a cordon and search operation in Binduri.

This operation was a direct response to reports of sporadic gunshots heard near the Binduri Central Market in the early hours of Easter Monday.

A joint team comprising personnel from the 11 Mechanised Battalion and the Joint Task Force, working in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, swiftly moved to the location to address the security situation.

Upon arrival, the area was promptly cordoned off to facilitate a comprehensive search for any individuals involved and the recovery of illegal weapons.

According to the GAF statement, “One suspected gunman was apprehended during the operation and has subsequently been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation and prosecution.”

The search of the area yielded a significant cache of weapons and related items, including one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, an empty M16 magazine, a substantial quantity of ammunition comprising 370 rounds for M16 and AK-47 rifles, 128 rounds of G3 ammunition, a machete, four fragmentation jackets, a pair of military-style boots, and one helmet.

Later on the same day, reports emerged of unidentified gunmen attempting to enter Binduri. These individuals were intercepted by military personnel conducting patrols in the area, which resulted in an exchange of gunfire. The attackers subsequently fled the scene.

The Ghana Armed Forces has assured the public that calm has since been restored in Binduri. However, troops remain on high alert and are prepared to respond swiftly to any further disturbances or security threats in the area.

The GAF emphasized its ongoing collaboration with other security agencies to support broader peace efforts aimed at achieving lasting calm and stability in the Bawku area, which has been plagued by intermittent conflict.

The Armed Forces also issued an appeal to residents and the general public to cooperate fully with security personnel as they continue to implement measures designed to bring lasting peace and security to the affected communities. The recovery of such a significant quantity of high-powered weaponry underscores the challenges faced in maintaining peace in the Bawku region, a matter of concern across Ghana, including in the Ashanti Region.