Gun Battle Erupts Between Police and Customs at Bawku Border Over Smuggling Dispute

A clash between personnel from the Ghana Police Service and Customs officials escalated into a gun battle at the Missiga Immigration Service checkpoint in Bawku on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

The confrontation reportedly began when Police officers prevented Customs officials from inspecting a Togo-bound truck suspected of carrying smuggled cocoa beans. Customs officials insisted on conducting the inspection, which led to a heated standoff. The situation quickly deteriorated into an exchange of gunfire between the two security agencies.

Military officers were called in to restore order and de-escalate the violence.

Videos of the incident show a tense verbal altercation that erupted into gunfire, with bystanders scrambling for safety. The incident has raised serious concerns about the coordination between Ghana’s security agencies, particularly in safeguarding the nation’s borders.