Extreme Emotional Stress, Fear, and Bullet-Riddled Homes: Why doctors are fleeing the violence in Bawku
Medical doctors in Bawku, located in the Upper East Region, are fleeing the area following intensified violence in recent days that has resulted in multiple fatalities.
The medical practitioners, who are experiencing extreme emotional stress and fear, are rejecting transfers to the area, which has long been plagued by a protracted chieftaincy dispute.
Some doctors have even chosen to remain unemployed rather than risk their lives in the conflict-ridden zone, which continues to report deaths.
On Monday, three people were killed in renewed violence. Numerous homes were also burnt, including one reportedly belonging to the Member of Parliament for Pusiga, Ladi Ayii Ayamba.
The situation escalated further on Sunday, April 13, 2025, when two plainclothes police officers were shot dead by unknown assailants.
In response, the Ghana Police Service has issued a wireless message directing all personnel in Bawku to wear full protective gear and move only under armored escort.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has since prohibited officers and their family members from entering the region.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News monitored by GhanaWeb, the President of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr Frank Serebour, described the situation as extremely dire.
“Indeed, it is a disaster for us as medical doctors working in Bawku at the moment. Many of our doctors there are working under extreme emotional stress and fear. If you speak to them, you’ll realize that most are not themselves. They will tell you their productivity has significantly declined. For some, even going to work is a challenge, so absenteeism is widespread. A few have already left. Some are currently in Accra and Kumasi and are refusing to return,” he said.
Dr Serebour added that the tense environment is affecting administrative control in the health facilities.
“There are those in administrative positions who are unable to enforce any form of discipline. If a worker fails to show up and you attempt to take disciplinary action, the next day your photograph is plastered everywhere, and you’re threatened with being the next target.”
He also revealed that some doctors have come under direct attack.
“We have doctors whose homes have been raided and riddled with bullets, forcing them to seek police protection. It’s not easy at all. As you can see, people are moving out of the area—and so are the doctors. Many are refusing postings to Bawku.”
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
