The stage is set as Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, resumes his mediation efforts today. The Bawku Naba, Abugrago Azoka, is also in Kumasi for the peace talks.

Attention is focused on the Manhyia Palace for the next three days as mediation talks aimed at resolving the Bawku conflict begin today at the seat of the Golden Stool.

Key stakeholders from the conflict area started arriving in Kumasi on Monday ahead of the crucial discussions.

The sessions, hosted by the sole mediator, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will focus on the chieftaincy aspect of the conflict, which lies at the heart of the dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities.

Journalists have gathered at the Manhyia Palace, eagerly awaiting updates on the mediation.

Background

The Bawku conflict, which has spanned ages, has reduced some communities in the area to ghost towns in the wake of the violence that has attended the conflict.

Security agencies have been deployed over the years to keep the peace in the area but that has merely papered over seemingly deep-rooted factors at the base of the conflict.

Indeed, hundreds have been killed directly as a result of the conflict, with individual members of different labour groups either quitting the area or declining posting to the affected communities.

In extreme cases, some company branches, including banks, have shut their offices in the area, while courts operating within the conflict enclave were closed by the Chief Justice some time last year.

The Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, have visited the conflict zone to interact with the youth and discuss peace with the people.

For years, the Ministry for the Interior has reviewed and sustained a curfew schedule in Bawku and its environs as a measure to control the situation.

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Executive Director of the Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa, Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, has emphasised the need for a collective effort from faith-based organisations to help end the protracted Bawku conflict.

The former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana stated that it is time for churches and other religious bodies to play an active role in silencing the guns.

Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong made the clarion call in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, expressing grave concern over the instability, which he said poses an existential threat to lives and livelihoods.

“Where is the church? We cannot say we have nothing to do in the Bawku conflict. All the churches have people in Bawku. Where is Islam, the Muslim leaders? The police are doing what they can, but what about the faith-based organisations who have schools and other institutions in Bawku?

“We can come together and embark on a peace march, engage the chiefs, youth groups, and appeal for calm. We must silence the guns, so faith-based leaders must come together and ask ourselves: what is our role in silencing the guns?” he admonished.

His comments follow a resurgence of the conflict, which has claimed the lives of two police officers, left others injured, and disrupted healthcare delivery.

He appealed directly to churches and religious leaders nationwide to rise above ethnic divisions and stand in solidarity with the people of Bawku.

“The real issue is that the people of Bawku are part of us; they are Ghanaians. We share common blood. And what is happening is a shame—the deaths and all they have witnessed. Let’s leave the Kusasi, Mamprusi thing. Let’s see them as our people. How many people do we want to see dead before we move in?” he questioned.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his efforts to resolve the conflict and promote peace.

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https://youtu.be/ryoP7KLpwjs

The Ghana Police Service has raised concerns over the increasing attacks on officers and their families in the troubled area.

In response to the growing insecurity, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has imposed a ban on the movement of officers and their relatives into Bawku.

Officers already deployed in the area have also been instructed to wear full protective gear and move only under armoured escort.

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To: His Excellency,
President of the United Nations Security Council
United Nations Headquarters
New York, NY, USA

Subject: Urgent Appeal for Intervention in the Ongoing Conflict in Bawku, Ghana

Dear Your Excellency,

I write to you as a concerned Ghanaian-born American citizen and a graduate student at the University of Massachusetts, United States of America, where I am pursuing a degree in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity.

It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency that I bring to your attention the violent conflict currently escalating in Bawku, a border town in Ghana’s Upper East Region, particularly affecting the community of Pusiga.

Bawku is home to approximately 125,000 people, the majority of whom are vulnerable women and children living under conditions of poverty and underdevelopment.

Just yesterday, a close friend of mine — whom I helped join the Ghana Police Service two years ago — contacted me to share firsthand accounts of the situation. Having known him for over a decade, I trust his integrity and judgment.

He described the conflict as warlike in its scale and intensity, revealing that over the past three weeks, deadly clashes between two factions have become frequent, with weapons as advanced and lethal as those used by the Ghanaian security forces.

He narrowly escaped death when a bullet missed him by inches. Sadly, three of his colleagues were struck — two died instantly, while the third had to be airlifted to Accra for urgent medical care.

According to reliable sources, more than 300 lives have been lost so far. The weapons involved suggest that the conflict has escalated far beyond localized skirmishes, posing a serious threat to the stability of the region. Despite the gravity of this crisis, the government’s response has been slow and, at times, seemingly influenced by political considerations rather than an urgent desire to restore peace.

I know Bawku and its people well. Many families survive on less than $5 a day, and countless children are either out of school or living under the constant threat of violence. This region cannot endure the loss of yet another generation to war and instability.

Your Excellency, I humbly appeal for your urgent intervention. I urge you to use your esteemed office to initiate dialogue with the government of Ghana, especially His Excellency President John Mahama, whose leadership could play a pivotal role in mediating and calming tensions. I also call upon the Security Council to bring global attention to the need for humanitarian assistance in this region.

I have been informed this morning, April 15, 2025, that the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is scheduled to mediate between the warring factions — a promising step toward peace. However, international support and pressure are critical to ensure a lasting resolution and the immediate cessation of hostilities.

The killings must stop. I submit this appeal in good faith, with the hope that swift and decisive action from your office can help save lives and restore peace in Bawku.

With deep respect and hope,

Victor Hayibor
Graduate Student, University of Massachusetts
Naturalized U.S. Citizen
Ghanaian by Birth

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem following a raid and demolition exercise at an illegal mining settlement in the Subri Forest Reserve, Nana Bosompim disclosed that some of the individuals arrested identified themselves as natives of Bawku and other northern communities.

According to him, many of these young men confessed that the money they earn from galamsey is sent back home to support their families — some of whom are caught in the middle of the ongoing Bawku conflict.

“We came across people from the Upper East, Upper West, and Northern Regions. Many of them are from areas such as Bawku and Bolgatanga. They said they came to work so they can repackage the money and support their families in the conflict,” he revealed.

The Director further suggested that the situation bears signs of a militia-style network, with some of the miners allegedly working under duress.

“Some individuals told us that if they fail to send the monies, their families back home would be attacked. So this paints the picture that the galamsey menace could be aiding the Bawku conflict and possibly other conflicts in Ghana,” he added.

His remarks come amid renewed violence in Bawku, where the conflict has claimed several lives and left others injured. The Ghana Police Service has recently raised alarms over rising attacks on security personnel and their families in the area.

In response to the worsening security situation, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has placed a ban on the movement of officers and their relatives into Bawku.

Officers already stationed there have also been ordered to wear full protective gear and move only under armoured escort.

Listen to Nana Bosompim in the audio attached above:

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Tuesday, April 15, in the wake of intensified violence in the Upper East town, Prof. Aning described Ghana’s current risk assessments in the region as “at best bogus, at worst, utterly distasteful.”

His remarks followed a wireless message from the Ghana Police Service, which raised alarm over escalating attacks against security personnel and their families in Bawku and its surrounding areas.

In response to the growing insecurity, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has banned the movement of officers and their relatives into the area and directed those already stationed there to wear full protective gear and move only under armored escort.

According to Prof. Aning, the police directive is a tacit admission that the situation in Bawku has spiraled out of control, signaling a dramatic escalation of insecurity.

He cited the recent killing of two uniformed officers in Binduri and reports of an attempted assassination of the IGP as evidence of growing boldness among armed factions.

“In operational calculus, this sends a signal to those who are armed that they are now on an upward ascendancy — that the security forces have been pinched to the wall,” he said. “So we need some dramatic change in our operational tactics within the next 72 hours. Otherwise, I’m afraid we will lose the initiative.”

Prof. Aning also stressed the urgent need for psychological support and reinforcements for officers stationed in Bawku, emphasizing that the state must demonstrate its capacity to “recapture the territory” and restore order.

“The Ghana Police Service recognizes the extreme situation that is in Bawku, and they need to take all the necessary measures first to protect their own. Hopefully, we can beef up the response and show that the state still holds authority there,” he added.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday, April 15, Dr. Serebour explained that the rising insecurity has created an atmosphere of fear, prompting some doctors to leave the region, while others are declining postings to Bawku.

“Some doctors are fleeing, while others are refusing postings due to the escalating insecurity in Bawku,” he said. “A few of them have decided to leave and are now in Accra and Kumasi, refusing to return to Bawku.”

This situation has made it increasingly difficult for health administrators to maintain order or enforce discipline within health facilities. Dr. Serebour highlighted that even those in managerial roles are unable to hold staff accountable due to fears of retaliation from armed groups.

“There are some of them in administrative roles who are unable to enforce discipline,” he explained. “If a health worker doesn’t report to work and you try to take disciplinary action, the next day your photograph is circulated, and you’re threatened — told that if you’re not careful, you’ll be the next target.”

The situation has escalated to the point where some doctors’ homes have been attacked. Dr. Serebour revealed that some doctors’ houses had been raided and riddled with bullets, forcing them to request police protection.

“Some doctors’ houses have been raided and riddled with bullets. They’ve had to request police protection. It’s not easy at all,” he said.

Once a region that attracted doctors, even amid the challenges of working in the northern parts of Ghana, Bawku has now become too dangerous for many healthcare workers. Dr. Serebour pointed out that while Bawku used to be one of the areas that drew medical professionals, the growing insecurity has changed that.

“In the past, Bawku was one of the places that attracted doctors, even when others were hesitant to work in the northern regions,” he noted. “But recently, nobody wants to accept postings to Bawku. Those who are there are leaving, and the few who remain are working under constant fear.”

In light of the mounting threats, Dr. Serebour has called on the Minister of Health to take immediate action to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. He has recommended relocating those at risk to safer areas outside the conflict zone.

“I called the Minister recently and told him we need to move some of our colleagues who feel their lives are at risk out of the danger zone and send them to safer locations,” he said.

Dr. Serebour concluded by warning that the ongoing violence is already severely impacting healthcare services in Bawku.

“Healthcare is indeed being affected because of the conflict going on in Bawku,” he concluded.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse programme on Tuesday, April 15, in response to reports of health facility staff leaving their posts out of fear of being attacked, Dr. Serebour explained that while he understood the concerns of medical personnel in the region, none had been directly targeted.

“Let me also clarify that, directly, no doctor has been targeted. We have not had any doctor specifically attacked, which offers us some comfort,” he said.

Dr. Serebour noted that if any staff member’s life were threatened, they would be swiftly relocated from the area to ensure their safety.

He also revealed that, due to the recent escalation of the conflict, at least ten medical practitioners have left the region.

Following the resurgence of the conflict, a group of armed robbers shot and killed two police officers at Poyamirea, a community on the outskirts of Binduri in the Upper East Region.

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The Alavanyo-Nkonya conflict in the Volta Region dates back to the early 1900s, rooted in a land dispute between the two neighbouring ethnic communities.

The situation escalated in the 1990s and 2000s, resulting in repeated clashes and loss of lives.

In contrast, the Bawku conflict in the Upper East Region is driven by both chieftaincy and ethnic tensions, mainly between the Kusasis and Mamprusis.

This conflict has seen multiple flare-ups, often accompanied by violence, displacement, and instability — and the media has played very different roles.

In Alavanyo-Nkonya, state-owned newspapers such as the Daily Graphic and Ghanaian Times were instrumental in promoting peace.

They provided accurate information, published peace messages, collaborated with local leaders, and highlighted early warnings to prevent violence. Their efforts elevated the conflict to national attention and encouraged collective action.

However, in Bawku, local radio stations have come under fire for spreading hate speech and inflaming tensions. The National Media Commission (NMC) has issued warnings to media outlets accused of inciting violence rather than promoting unity.

Unlike Alavanyo-Nkonya, there has been limited focus on using the media as a peacebuilding tool in Bawku.

Community action made a significant difference in Alavanyo-Nkonya. Traditional rulers, elders, and youth groups formed peace committees, participated in peace education programs, and launched initiatives — sometimes supported by citizens abroad — to mediate tensions and build trust.

In Bawku, however, the path forward still depends on what the people choose to do. Community members, youth leaders, chiefs, and influencers must actively promote dialogue over violence.

They need to challenge false narratives, reject incitement, and push for peace initiatives within their communities.

The Alavanyo-Nkonya experience provides a blueprint for Bawku:

• Media Use: Train and encourage the media to focus on accurate, peace-centered reporting.

• Community Involvement: Establish peace committees involving youth, women, chiefs, and elders.

• Dialogue: Create consistent opportunities for community-level peace talks.

• Youth Engagement: Empower young people to reject violence and lead peace campaigns.

• Traditional Leadership: Ensure chiefs remain neutral and serve as facilitators of peace, not partisans in conflict.

It must be noted that the role of the media in conflict can be double-edged — it can either ignite tensions or heal divisions.

In Alavanyo-Nkonya, responsible journalism contributed significantly to calming tensions and building national awareness.

In Bawku, the media must shift toward peace journalism — reporting that unites rather than divides. This includes rejecting inflammatory language, correcting misinformation, and prioritizing sensitivity in conflict reporting.

But the media cannot do it alone. Peace must begin with the people. Citizens must take ownership of the situation by promoting interethnic dialogue, rejecting violence, supporting peace campaigns, and working with institutions to ensure safety and stability.

As the Alavanyo-Nkonya story shows, peace is possible — but only when both the media and the community work together with a shared commitment to reconciliation and healing.

Bawku’s future depends on this choice.

Author:
Dr. Sadiq Adu-Twum
Lecturer, Pentecost University (Department of Communication Studies) and Research Fellow, West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, April 14, Rev. Fordjour painted a grim picture of the situation in the troubled Bawku enclave, describing it as a fast-deteriorating humanitarian and security crisis.

“The death toll is rising. People are living in fear. Children can’t go to school,” he lamented.
“No essential services are thriving at the moment. Teachers, doctors, and nurses are refusing postings to Bawku.”

He warned that the long-standing tribal conflict has now morphed into a dangerous standoff between factions and state security personnel.

“We’ve seen a worrying trend — the new dimension of the conflict seems to be taking shape between one of the feuding factions and the security services,” he stated.
“It seems like some reprisals are happening between the youth on one side and the police, and that is very dangerous. Because the security is there to ensure the protection of our citizens.”

Rev. Fordjour cautioned that the deepening hostility toward law enforcement threatens the foundations of peace and stability.

“If the dimension of the conflict now extends beyond tribal grievances into clashes with the security agencies who are there to protect them, that can also be very dangerous.”

Calling for immediate restraint on all sides, Rev. Fordjour stressed the urgent need for calm.

“Bawku deserves peace. For peace to prevail, we want all feuding parties to exercise absolute restraint. That will help minimise reprisal attacks. Because if one faction thinks they’ve been attacked and they also go on to reprise, then further escalation is inevitable.”

Beyond restraint, he advocated for a non-partisan, united front to resolve the crisis.

“Government has to step up a bit more,” he urged, emphasizing the need for an approach devoid of political undertones.

“This conflict cannot be politicised. Every politician must remove political tendencies, undertones, and underpinnings from this conflict.”

Rev. Fordjour also criticised political statements in past election cycles, warning that certain pronouncements have only served to inflame tensions.

“We’ve heard promises made just before elections — some suggesting that when a certain party is in power, Bawku conflicts escalate, and when another party is in power, it dies down. This is not the time for that. We must refrain from it.”

He further expressed concern over the alarming proliferation of sophisticated weapons in the conflict zone.

“The kind of weapons our brothers and sisters have access to in Bawku is really troubling,” he stated.
“It’s dangerous. It’s part of the reason why there’s this seeming confidence to even have a standoff with security agencies.”

He called for an urgent investigation into the flow of weapons into the area and decisive action to dismantle the supply chain.

“Wherever the source of this weaponry is, government needs to act urgently,” he declared.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Rev. Fordjour reaffirmed the minority’s support for a unified national effort to restore peace.

“We are supporting the government. All of us must come together, depoliticise this matter, support Otumfuo-led mediation, and restore lasting peace.”

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Speaking on JoyNews Desk on Monday, Mr. Mahmoud highlighted growing security concerns in Binduri, a district heavily impacted by the ongoing Bawku conflict. He stressed that while he has consistently called for peace, maintaining order has become increasingly difficult due to the lack of an adequate military presence.

“I have consistently called for calm and advised my constituents not to take the law into their own hands. At the same time, I have appealed to those responsible, particularly the state security forces, to ensure that we receive adequate protection in the area,” he said.

Drawing from his extensive background in law enforcement and peacekeeping, Mr. Mahmoud emphasized that words alone would not resolve the volatile situation in Binduri.

“Having served in the police service for many years and participated in various peacekeeping operations, I am deeply concerned that without enough military personnel deployed in Binduri, and in other potentially affected districts, the outcome of Otumfuo’s peace mediation process may not yield the desired results,” he warned.

He further pointed out that the success of any peace mediation effort largely depends on stability on the ground. Without a visible and effective military presence, the peace process may struggle to gain the necessary momentum.

“In Binduri, expecting positive results from the peace mediation process will be incredibly difficult if the situation on the ground remains unstable. We need to secure the area and restore calm before we can expect any meaningful progress in Otumfuo’s peace mediation,” Mr. Mahmoud explained.

He called for urgent military intervention in Binduri and neighboring districts, warning that without this, the peace mediation process could continue to face significant setbacks.

“This is my view regarding the peace mediation process if we don’t deploy military in Binduri,” he concluded.

The Bawku conflict, rooted in longstanding ethnic and chieftaincy disputes, has led to periodic flare-ups, resulting in casualties, displacement, and heightened security concerns. On Sunday, April 13, three people were killed, including two young police officers.

During a working visit to the area following a series of clashes that led to the death of a civilian, injuries to security personnel, and destruction of property, the IGP emphasised that the police had no interest in taking sides and were focused solely on enforcing the law, protecting lives, and maintaining order.

“We have always spoken to our men to be extremely neutral in the discharge of their duties and it is our intention to remain neutral in the course of our duties to ensure that the people we seek peace for will have the peace they desire,” he said.

Speaking to the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, and other key stakeholders including traditional leaders, youth groups, and opinion leaders, the IGP apologised for any errors the security personnel may have made while enforcing the law.

“Your Royal Highness, we are saying that where we have gone wrong in the course of our duties, we plead with you to forgive us. We are asking the people of Bawku to forgive us.

“As a human institution and as human as we are, we may falter. Please, where we have gone wrong, forgive us and continue to accept us as your children who have come here to ensure Bawku returns to its old glory.”

He encouraged the Overlord and his people to report any misconduct by security personnel directly to him for appropriate action.

The IGP further appealed to the youth to lay down their arms, embrace peace, and cooperate with the security services to restore calm to the area.

His visit followed heightened tensions that began on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, when one faction in the Bawku chieftaincy conflict allegedly demanded that women from the opposing side vacate the local market.

The police intervened after the matter was reported, leading to a confrontation between the youth and the security forces. The clash resulted in the death of one person and injuries to others, including a police officer.

In retaliation, some youth reportedly attacked a police barracks, setting it ablaze and burning a police vehicle, which forced the evacuation of officers from the facility. The private residence of the Divisional Police Commander and those of two other officers were also targeted.

On Thursday, irate youth allegedly attacked the homes of Mr Mahama Ayariga and Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, Members of Parliament for Bawku Central and Pusiga, respectively.

The Bawku Naba expressed appreciation for the IGP’s visit but called for fairness, justice, and continued collaboration in security operations to ensure lasting peace.

Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews, Dr Doke stressed that the presence of security forces should serve to protect, not intimidate, residents.

“The main purpose of having security forces is to ensure that people trust them to prevent the other faction from crossing over, attacking, or singling them out,” he said.

He warned that when civilians feel targeted or harassed by security personnel, it undermines the legitimacy and purpose of their deployment.

“If, while going about your business, a security person attacks you instead, it creates the perception that they are not there to protect life and property or maintain law and order,” he added.

Dr Doke also criticized what he described as the disregard of local customs and traditional authority by some security operatives. According to him, ignoring the guidance of chiefs and other local leaders in peace-building efforts only worsens the situation.

“If security forces engage in peace-building activities but then ignore the norms and traditions of the land, or act against directives given by local kings or chiefs, then we are sure to have these kinds of incidents,” he stated.

He emphasized that successful peace-building requires collaboration and mutual respect.

“The people in the area will not trust the security personnel if they insist on doing things their own way. That’s what has happened. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

Dr Doke concluded by urging security forces to rebuild broken trust by respecting local traditions and engaging traditional leaders in the peace process.

“Trust is necessary for cooperation. When trust is broken, people will no longer provide you with vital information, and the situation will escalate,” he warned.

As a result, classes have reportedly been suspended today, 13th March, at the college.

The school’s authorities have confirmed the incident, stating that the deceased was found with suspected gunshot wounds outside the school campus fence.

Although the motive behind the killing remains unclear, JoyNews understands that authorities suggest it could be linked to the ongoing violence in Bawku.

The police have been informed, and the Gambaga Chief Palace has summoned the Principal of the school for further discussions.

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His concerns follow recent security incidents in Walewale, which have been linked to the Bawku crisis, heightening fears of instability spreading beyond its current epicenter.

Speaking to journalists after a high-level stakeholder meeting, the Minister emphasized the urgent need for proactive security measures to prevent any escalation within the Savannah Region.

He noted the region’s vulnerability due to its geographic proximity to conflict-prone areas, making it susceptible to infiltration by individuals seeking to extend hostilities.

“The spillover of the Bawku chieftaincy issues is affecting the Savannah Region. If you pass through the Sandema area, you can reach Daboya. Because of the conflict, some traffic is diverted from the main route through the North East Region. If we don’t establish the necessary security structures, some individuals could bring the conflict into our area. This is something we are taking very seriously,” he stated.

Walewale, he added, has already witnessed disturbances tied to the crisis.

The Minister assured residents that security agencies are on high alert and working closely with local authorities to prevent any escalation of violence.

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The Asantehene made this statement during a meeting with a government delegation, led by Defense Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

The meeting was to discuss the ongoing conflict in Bawku in the Upper East region, which has resulted in the loss of many lives and the displacement of thousands of people.

The conflict has also had a significant impact on the area, hindering its development.

He expressed his deep concern about the conflict and its potential to destroy the country’s unity and progress.

He called on all parties involved in the conflict to put aside their differences and work towards finding a peaceful solution.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah has indicated that the government has been working to resolve the conflict through a combination of military and diplomatic efforts, which is underway to engage with the various parties involved in the conflict.

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According to Citi News, the baby was snatched from her mother in an attack, resulting in the tragic death.

The mother, who was returning home after work on Thursday, was reportedly tracked by the assailants and mercilessly beaten.

The cause of the attack remains unclear, but it adds to the rising death toll since the conflict re-emerged in October 2024.

The death toll currently stands at 55, following the gruesome murder of a mother and her two children last week.

Gunmen continue to launch attacks on residents despite efforts by security forces to contain the violence and restore peace.

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Speaking at the second edition of the Gbewa Homecoming Festival in Nalerigu, the Bongo Naba urged the warring factions to avoid entrenching their positions, emphasizing compromise and dialogue as paths to lasting peace.

“I appeal to my father, the Nayiri, the Ndan Ya-Na, Bimibila Na, and the Yagbonwura to find a lasting solution to the Bawku issue,” he stated, warning of the developmental setbacks caused by the chieftaincy conflict.

“If there’s no peace in Bawku, then we don’t have peace across the Gbewa fraternity,” he lamented, adding that silence or inaction would make him “a coward” as someone from the affected region.

The chief condemned the misuse of social media, particularly TikTok and Facebook, to fuel tensions.

He urged the youth to refrain from inflammatory posts, stressing, “Let’s minimise how we address issues on social media. Silence can often be more constructive.”

Naba Alemyaruun also pledged loyalty to the Nayiri, urging that the next homecoming event be held in the Bongo Traditional Area.

Festival Promotes Unity Amid Regional Challenges

The Gbewa Homecoming Festival, organized by the Mamprugu Youth Association (MAYA), celebrates the cultural ties of descendants of Gbewa across Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Togo.

This year’s theme, “Promoting Cultural Identity, Education, and Political Participation: The Role of Indigenous Languages in Shaping Democratic Governance,” resonated deeply amid ongoing regional conflicts.

The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, represented by North East Regional Minister Yidana Zakaria, expressed gratitude for the region’s electoral support.

He donated GH¢60,000 to the event and promised to safeguard state assets until the official transition of power on January 7.

The Ya Na’s representative, the Paramount Chief of Diyali, called for stricter measures to curb youth drug peddling, describing it as a threat to the region’s future.

The festival also saw the launch of the Harmonized Mampruli Autography to preserve the Mampruli language and the inauguration of the Nayiri Educational Endowment Fund Board of Trustees.

Distinguished individuals were recognised under the Gbewa Excellence Awards Scheme.

The next Gbewa Homecoming will be held in Yendi, the capital of the Great Dagbon Kingdom.

Reports indicate that the initiative has already led to the capture of several individuals and firearms. The drones, which operate at high altitudes, are used to monitor combatants engaged in hostile activities.

Once identified, security forces follow up to apprehend the perpetrators.

This morning, gunmen engaged in intense gunfire around 6 AM, with heavy shooting reported in the Bawku-Gingande and Kpalore enclaves.

However, no casualties have been confirmed from the clash.

The deployment of drones follows the recent killings by unidentified gunmen in the area, which have contributed to a rising death toll. On December 16, two individuals were killed in separate incidents in Bawku.

One of the victims, Moro Aziz, a mentally ill man from Gozesi, wandered towards the Bawku cemetery, where he was killed. The second victim, Kasim, was shot dead in Daduri while attempting to move to another location.

These deaths bring the total fatalities to 35 since the resurgence of violence in Bawku in late October 2024.

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The ongoing conflict in the region has significantly disrupted livelihoods, leading to increased food insecurity and a surge in malnutrition cases.

Pregnant women in the municipality have also reported high rates of anaemia, further highlighting the region’s health challenges.

According to the Bawku Municipal Health Nutrition Officer, Bathomio Asigri, malnutrition cases spiked in 2023, with 297 cases recorded.

He attributed the rise partly to the ongoing conflict, which has hampered trading activities in the area.

“Bawku municipality is regarded as a business hub within the country. Unfortunately, within the past three years, trading activities have dwindled, and families are struggling with food security and nutrition,” he told Citi News.

Surveys conducted by the Municipal health authorities revealed that the frequency of daily meals has dropped significantly due to the economic downturn caused by the conflict.

“We’ve observed that the number of meals people take in a day has reduced since the conflict began, and this correlates with the increase in malnutrition cases,” Mr Asigri explained.

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Travellers entering the town are subjected to strict checks before being escorted into the area, which has been identified as a potential trouble spot.

With tensions high, authorities are not taking any risks. More security officers have been sent to the area, and strict rules are in place to ensure peace and safety.

JoyNews’ Albert Sore reports that some voters are finding it hard to return home to cast their votes.

“Voters are struggling to get back home to vote. Since the start of the week, it seems like people have been left to their fate. The authorities, who should help organize transportation, are not around, so we decided to handle it ourselves. In other areas, buses are being provided for voters, but not here,” he said.

In the Ashanti Region, preparations are underway for what is expected to be a large voter turnout. Over 3.2 million registered voters are set to vote.

The Electoral Commission’s Upper East Regional Director, Francis Osei Nsiah, said, “We are fully ready for tomorrow. All materials have been distributed to the constituencies. Coalition centres will be set up by noon. We expect results quickly because the pink sheets will be scanned and sent to the portal before being transported.”

In the Upper West Region, everything is also set for the elections. Regional Electoral Director, Ali Osman Adamu told JoyNews’ Rafiq Salam that all election materials have been delivered.

Meanwhile, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised concerns about supposed illegal ballots.

The member claimed these might be moved secretly in bullion vans or ambulances to avoid suspicion, warning that anyone caught with such ballots would face action.

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According to the former Special Prosecutor, the government’s inadequate response to the crisis has worsened the situation, causing significant loss of life and displacement of residents.

“The government, by refusing or failing to be adequately represented by the Attorney General at the Court of Appeal… appears to have facilitated the current fratricidal cycle of killings,” Amidu alleged, referencing a court decision that sparked renewed conflict in Bawku.

He further pointed to logistical challenges affecting Bawku residents as evidence of deliberate voter suppression.

“The depopulation of the Bawku township during this election season means that a chunk of the electorate who were lucky to survive and escape are being denied their vote on 7 December 2024. The dead, of course, have lost their votes,” Amidu stated.

Amidu accused President Akufo-Addo of prioritizing political endorsements over national security, citing the President’s plea during a recent tour for Ghanaians to elect Dr. Bawumia as his successor.

He described the President’s actions as manipulative, calling Dr. Bawumia “the puppet master’s heir.”

The former Special Prosecutor questioned the integrity of the electoral process in conflict-prone regions, asking whether elections could be held safely in Bawku and its surrounding areas.

“The larger issue is the uncertainty whether the whole Bawku Traditional Council area would even be able to exercise their franchise on 7 December 2024 in a free, fair, and transparent manner,” he said.

Amidu’s remarks highlight growing concerns about the security implications of Ghana’s 2024 elections.

He called on Dr. Bawumia to take responsibility and address these concerns directly, warning against a campaign that trivializes the loss of life.

“What is the use of digitization and drones when human security is ignored? This is not leadership.”

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Despite a strict 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. curfew aimed at quelling the violence, armed groups continue to defy the restrictions, launching attacks that have heightened tensions in the area.

The unrest has led to the closure of some schools and disrupted business activities, as residents remain fearful of further violence.

On Tuesday, November 12, violent clashes in the Daduri suburb of Bawku resulted in two fatalities and left several others injured.

The confrontation involved a gun battle that left two homes in flames, exacerbating the region’s security crisis.

In response, many residents are fleeing the area. Six buses, accompanied by military escorts, were recently seen transporting people from Bawku to Bolgatanga for safety.

The renewed conflict has reportedly escalated after rival chief Alhaji Seidu Abagre returned from exile, with recent ambushes on travelers adding fuel to the rising tensions.

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The Bawku conflict is a long-standing ethnic and chieftaincy dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups in Ghana’s Upper East Region.

Rooted in rival claims to the Bawku chieftaincy, the conflict has resulted in violence, loss of lives, and instability, severely impacting public services and economic activities.

Despite numerous peace initiatives, tensions persist, making the Zug-Raan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the Zug-Raan of Kusaug,’s recent directive to keep government offices open an important call for stability in the region.

Addressing the media at a press conference held at the Accra International Press Center on Thursday, the President of KPC, Rev. Prof. John Azuma, noted that the people of Bawku are agonized because they have been betrayed and forsaken by the incumbent government.

He further expressed that the Bawku conflict has been prolonged due to the government’s inaction, mixed messaging, and complicity.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, all of Kusaug and the people of Bawku are in deep pain. Since November 2021, our people have felt abandoned and betrayed by the state. We want to state emphatically that the conflict has dragged on all this while because of government inaction, mixed messaging, and complicity,” he stated.

He explained that previous governments had prohibited the Mamprusi from performing the funeral rites of their chief, who passed away in 1981.

However, the current administration granted permission for the funeral rites, leading to the enskinment of a new chief, despite the existence of an already recognized chief in the area, resulting in chaos between the Mamprusi and Kusasi.

“Under the watch of the current government, the Mamprusis in Bawku performed the funeral of a deposed chief who died way back in 1981. All previous administrations did not permit the performance of this funeral,” he said.

He continued, “Under this government, the Mamprusis performed the funeral in defiance of a court injunction order. They then proceeded to Nalerigu in February 2023 and purportedly enskinned a rival chief for Bawku in total disregard of the fact that Bawku has a fully gazetted chief who has been on the skin for the past 40 years.”

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The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, while the students were traveling from Widana.

According to reports, the attackers ordered the students to disembark while they set the vehicle and the driver, whose identity is yet to be established, ablaze.

The unfortunate incident is said to have occurred in front of the Bawku SHS.

This attack is suspected to be connected to the renewed chieftaincy dispute in Bawku, which has claimed several lives and left many injured in the past few days.

Meanwhile, the police have yet to comment on the incident.

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In an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile on November 2, Bentil expressed concern that the Bawku conflict could spill over into other regions, given existing alliances between factions involved in the dispute.

He referenced past ethnic clashes, such as those in Agbogbloshie, as examples of how these tensions could escalate.

“It is sad and unfortunate—we are playing with fire. I am aware that during times of conflict in Agbogbloshie, we witnessed factions forming across parts of Accra. God forbid, but if violence erupts, you’ll be surprised how quickly it could spread. We’re also hearing reports of guns being supplied from Accra, so there’s much happening beneath the surface,” he cautioned.

Bentil proposed that the government enforce strict regulations on chieftaincy institutions within conflict zones, even suggesting the suspension of chieftaincy roles until disputes are resolved. While he acknowledged the cultural importance of chiefs, he emphasized that public safety must take precedence, noting that chiefs, while respected, are not indispensable to the functioning of the state.

He urged the government to assert its authority in Bawku by deploying the army to manage the conflict, suggesting that a state of emergency might be necessary to prevent further loss of life.

“If a state of emergency will prevent the deaths of 19 people, then implement it. This is the purpose of the state. You can’t convince me that the Ghana Army is not capable of securing Bawku—this is why we have an army, so it should enforce order,” Bentil argued.

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According to him, the notion that the national security apparatus has not been fully aware of the events occurring in the Bawku township is untrue.

“I completely disagree that the national security or the security architecture of this country has never been fully aware of all the events that are happening in Bawku,” he stated.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Mr. Agbambilla asserted that the ongoing conflict in Bawku is largely driven by the perception among the Mamprusi community that, because they count Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as one of their own, they can use his position to perpetrate the violence currently affecting the area.

He noted that national security previously detected the potential for unrest and issued an injunction to prevent the funeral rites of a long-deceased chief—a decision many warned could lead to conflict.

“Then later we heard there was some purported enskinment in Bawku, and the government issued an arrest warrant for the arrest of Seidu Abagre,” he said.

He stated that unless the government or security intelligence deliberately chooses not to pursue an individual, if someone commits wrongdoing, they will certainly be found, suggesting that intelligence failures are not the main issue.

The lawyer for the Bawku Naaba argued that Seidu Abagre, whose return to Bawku has exacerbated tensions between rival factions and resulted in multiple clashes, is living as a free man despite his arrest.

He questioned how someone who is supposedly hiding could have lawyers and give instructions to people going to court.

“The government did not want to act. National security just didn’t want to act,” he stressed.

He added, “I don’t think that the security architecture is unaware of what is happening in Bawku. It is because some people think that by giving the Mamprusis in Bawku what they want, it may brighten the chances of Dr. Bawumia.”

His comments followed remarks by a lecturer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Dr. Victor Doke, who pointed to lapses in security intelligence as a possible factor in the renewed conflict.

Dr. Doke argued that inadequate intelligence monitoring and preventive measures may have allowed the recent violence, which resulted in approximately 19 deaths. He expressed concerns about the readiness of security services, given the known tensions in the area.

Jawara Salifu argued that Mr. Seidu is a native of the land; therefore, it is not right for him to be treated as such.

In an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 2, he said, “Don’t forget that he is a father, grandfather, head of family, head of clan, and his spiritual and wise guidance is needed by his people. You cannot exile somebody and ask that they don’t come back to their hometown because when they do, there would be some bloodshed.”

This follows comments from the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, who has attributed the ongoing conflict in Bawku, which has resulted in 19 deaths, to the presence of the rival chief, Seidu Abagre. He believes that locating and removing Mr. Seidu from the area will ease the tension.

Mr. Asamoah Boateng indicated that anyone whose presence fuels instability, regardless of their identity, should be made to leave the area.

Mr. Salifu noted that he expected the factions in the conflict would exercise restraint and allow the legal process to proceed.

He added that he did not anticipate the return of Mr. Seidu to Bawku would create mayhem.

Mr. Salifu further questioned the claims of illegality regarding Mr. Seidu’s enskinment. According to him, Mr. Seidu was enskinned by a Nayiri, who is the kingmaker of Bawku, adding that Mr. Seidu was just a beneficiary.

He added, “When you go to the Constitution, Article 277, it clearly states how someone becomes a chief. Nobody has said that Seidu does not hail from Bawku, a royal lineage, and that his enskinment was not done according to the custom of the Mamprusi.

“So when people say that there was an illegality, does it mean that it did not comply with Article 277 or any other provision under the Chieftaincy Act?”

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This call followed escalating violent clashes in the Bawku township and its environs because of chieftaincy dispute, resulting in the death of more than 20 people and injury to many since last Thursday.

A statement, signed by Alhaji Sumaila Issaka, the Chairman of the Upper East Regional Peace Council stated that engaging in violence would only deepen the situation in the area.

“The Upper Regional Peace Council has noted with profound sadness the recent happenings in Bawku,” the statement lamented.

“This is so much so after many fruitful engagements by all stakeholders and a period of calm for the most part of the year, leading to the easing of the curfew and peaceful celebration of the Damba festival.

However, since October 24, 2024, the situation in Bawku has deteriorated resulting in the loss of lives and creation of fear and insecurity in the area, even extending to the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway.

“While appreciating the efforts of all stakeholders, especially the security services and the people of Bawku, the Council wishes to call on parties in the conflict to heed the call of non-violence and protect the peace so that Bawku can return to stability.”

The statement urged the security agencies to remain professional and be proactive in ensuring the safety of all people in Bawku and of all travellers on the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway.

It also urged all the residents of Bawku to support the law enforcement agencies to implement actions that would help ease the tension and allow people to pursue their livelihoods in a more predictable manner.

“Crucially, we are in the last quarter of the year with the upcoming general election and annual festivals such as the Samanpiid and Buud Yelle that must be allowed to take place in a climate of peace.

“All parties should by now know that violence only deepens the sufferings of the people of Bawku and never a way to addressing their grievances.

“Without the use of non-violent approaches, we are only going to witness another cycle of violence and insecurity to no one’s benefit,” it added.

Reliable sources told the Ghana News Agency that the clash is because of a reported return of a new chief reportedly enskinned by one of the factions involved in the protracted conflict.

A High Court had initially issued a warrant for the arrest of the new chief as it deemed its enskinment as illegal.

However, the court, a few days ago withdrew the arrest warrant, and that paved the way for the chief to return to the area which sparked tension and subsequently led to gunshots leading to several deaths and injuries.

The violent clash began with the alleged killing of an 11-year-old girl by one of the factions involved in the clash.

More than 20 people were killed within the Bawku township last Thursday while eight people were also killed on the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Walewale in an attack that had also been linked to the renewed clashes in Bawku.

Some unidentified armed men blocked vehicles on the road on the highway and started shooting the travellers, killing eight and injuring many others.

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His message underscores the importance of building a harmonious community that focuses on collective aspirations rather than conflict.

Engr. Boateng stressed that the real battles facing Ghanaians are not among themselves but against significant societal challenges, such as poverty, corruption, and environmental degradation.

“Our common enemies are not each other,” he asserted, emphasizing that these pressing issues threaten the nation’s future prosperity.

Among the challenges highlighted, Engr. Boateng specifically pointed to the urgent need to address illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

He described the environmental degradation caused by such activities as a crisis driven by greed, calling for immediate action to protect Ghana’s natural resources.

“The destruction of our environment is a threat to both current and future generations,” he remarked, urging collective responsibility to safeguard the land.

As a leader in the engineering sector, Engr. Boateng reiterated the Institution’s commitment to supporting sustainable development and environmental conservation initiatives.

He called on local leaders, stakeholders, and citizens to foster a cooperative environment that allows Bawku to flourish.

“Let us turn our energies toward building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable Ghana,” he concluded, advocating for unity against the real threats to progress.

Engr. Boateng’s appeal serves as a timely reminder that the strength of a community lies in its ability to come together to tackle shared challenges, paving the way for a brighter future for all.

He has charged all political actors fueling the conflict in Bawku to cease fire and allow peace to reign.

The IET president observed that conflict is an enemy of development and must not be entertained in Bawku, as women and children are the most vulnerable, suffering from the conflict.

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He believes that locating and removing Mr. Seidu from the area will ease the tension.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews on Wednesday, the Minister expressed uncertainty about how Mr. Seidu entered Bawku but stressed the need for his voluntary departure.

“The gentleman, Abagre Seidu, must understand that his very presence is the reason behind all this unrest. If I were in his position, I would advise myself. He has seen his people, and they are fine. We don’t need a state of emergency to facilitate his exit. Just as he found a way in, he must find a way out, and that is what I expect him to do,” he remarked.

He indicated that anyone whose presence fuels instability, regardless of their identity, should be made to leave the area.

The Minister ruled out the need for a state of emergency, stating that the situation is under control due to the curfew already in place.

However, in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for West Mamprusi Municipality, Issahaku Anineyaw Somo Lucky, expressed doubt that merely removing a rival chief in Bawku will curb the resurgence of violence in the community.

According to him, the situation would require more consultation with stakeholders to determine the best way forward.

The MCE feared that any other move could aggravate the situation.

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The closed courts include the High Court of Bolgatanga, Circuit Court of Bolgatanga, District Court of Bolgatanga, District Court of Zuarungu, District Court of Zebilla, District Court of Garu, and District Court of Bongo.

This was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary of the Judicial Service, Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng.

“In order to ensure the safety and security of Judges, Staff, Lawyers and Court Users, the Honourable Lady Chief Justice has ordered the closure of the following courts with immediate effect, until further notice,” the statement read in part.

Meanwhile, the registrars have been asked to keep all assets of the courts in proper custody, and all staff are advised to stay safe.

The closure comes in the wake of renewed chieftaincy clashes, which have claimed 16 lives and left some residents injured.

The disturbances follow the return of a rival chief, Seidu Abagre, from exile. He was controversially enskinned as Bawku Naaba in February 2023.

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Read the full statement below.

Chieftaincy Minister Stephen Asamoah Boateng stated that this move is strategic in addressing the longstanding dispute in the area.

He added that security agencies are actively managing the situation, while the mediation delegation is also prepared to facilitate discussions between the two traditional leaders vying for the Bawku throne.

Mr Asamoah Boateng also cautioned the local population not to politicize the situation.

JoyNews’ Upper East Regional correspondent, Albert Sore noted that Bawku town is currently under a heavy security presence due to heightened tensions in the community.

“There is still a very high-security presence in the town, which is helping to keep things under control.” However, he added, “The residents themselves still do not feel safe, and many are staying indoors for their own safety.” He said on Tuesday, October 28, 2024.

The Bawku chieftaincy conflict recently flared up again after a period of relative calm in the area.

This resurgence followed the return of a rival chief, Alhaji Seidu, after he had been exiled for some time.

The recent violence has resulted in the loss of eight lives, while hundreds of lives and properties have been lost to the conflict over the years. The area is currently under a curfew.

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The long-standing conflict resurfaced on Sunday, October 27, 2024, with the return of rival chief Alhaji Seidu Abagre from exile.

Speaking to supporters in Saboba as part of his Northern regional campaign, Mr. Mahama urged all factions involved to avoid any form of violent provocation.

The former President emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving the conflict.

“Without peace, there cannot be progress. Unfortunately, any time the peace of Ghana is disturbed, it is the NPP government that is in power. Recently, I have been hearing about some things happening in Bawku that appear to be threatening to disturb the peace there.

“I appeal to the people of the Bawku area and all stakeholders involved in what is happening there to exercise patience and restraint. We know that some sinister hands are trying to stoke the fires of ethnic conflict,” he admonished.

Mr. Mahama also pledged his commitment to restoring total peace in Bawku if elected in the December 7 elections.

“They should not allow themselves to be provoked into violence. So, please, the people of the Bawku area, I’m begging you and pleading with you to remain calm, be restrained, and don’t resort to conflict.

“The NDC is coming, and when we do, we will ensure that there’s peace in Bawku and the surrounding areas,” he noted.

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The development according to him has resulted in several casualties.

“I am aware that people have not slept in the last two nights. It has been a full-fledged war ongoing and now you have a situation where two factional chiefs are living next to each other.

“Bawku is not a big town and each side is aiming at getting to the other person so you have an illegitimate chief who is sitting there and then you have the existing chief who is celebrating 40 years on the throne and then you have young men who are losing their lives,” he said.

In an interview on Accra-based FM, Mr Krugu who is troubled by the death and injuries in less than 24 hours disclosed the Presbyterian Hospital has been overwhelmed.

Due to the use of the Ghana Card, he bemoaned innocent people who have no connection with the primary tribe; Kusasis and Mamprusis in the dispute have been caught up.

“Last night, we got the message that there was no space to keep the injured at the Presbyterian Hospital, roads were blocked and you cannot carry the injured to Bolgatanga for treatment. The roads between Bolga and Tamale were blocked and people were being asked for their Ghana Cards to identify their tribal affiliation and to kill them.

“I am aware that some people who do not belong to the two tribes were mistakenly killed and this is a sad situation that we are having,” he stated.

Mr Krugu’s comments follows the killing of eight passengers by armed men who blocked the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway near Gbimsi on Sunday.

Passengers caught in the blockade were reportedly interrogated over their identities while two vehicles were set ablaze.

The situation has resulted in a heightened security deployment to Bawku to restore peace and avert further escalation.

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He said the conflicts in the region, particularly the protracted Bawku conflict, were spreading beyond Bawku to other parts of the region and the threat of violent activities of extremists was adversely affecting development.

Mr Atampuba underscored collective efforts to address such issues.

He said: “The conflict in Bawku has affected most of the districts in the Bawku zone. Quite apart from that, the violent extremists’ activities in Burkina Faso have a potential ripple effect on our District, and it is our responsibility to come together and foster peace.

“It is time to say, let’s put our guns down and dialogue and share ideas because taking the gun is not the way to express your dissatisfaction.”

The DCE made the remarks when he addressed stakeholders at a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Upper East Regional Peace Council on political vigilantism, advocacy, constitutional rights and responsibilities, among others.

The stakeholders, including political party activists, opinion leaders, youth groups, and other minority groups, were drawn from Widnaba, Sapelliga, and Kopella communities of the Bawku West District.

It is being funded by the United Nations (UN) Peacebuilding Fund through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and is being implemented in the Bawku West, Garu, and Bongo Districts.

The project aims at building community resilience towards preventing violence and promoting peace for conflict management, resolution, and social cohesion.

Madam Jenet Dedei Sarney-Kuma, the Director of Capacity Development and Outreach, at the National Peace Council, noted that though some of the conflicts that existed in the communities were not difficult to manage, the managers of such conflicts sometimes lacked the required knowledge and skills to resolve them.

She said this necessitated the need for the capacities of the stakeholders to be built to help them manage conflict among themselves, recognize the rights of others and their responsibilities, and champion peace for national development.

“This knowledge they gain can be applied to manage election disputes, so we are believing that as we build their capacities, we will have fewer election troubles and general disputes within the district,” she added.

Awinbon Yakubu, a youth leader in the Sapelliga community, said the workshop had well positioned him to help manage conflict in his community as it had exposed him to a lot of issues concerning conflict management and human rights that he previously did not know.

Job Akpalimtera Nyaba, the Assemblyman from the Widnaba community, lauded the efforts of the Peace Council for building peace and called on the youth to be peace advocates.

Edmond Alagpulinsa, a Human Rights Officer and facilitator of the workshop urged the stakeholders to be circumspect about cultural practices that violated the rights and dignity of others, as they were punishable by law.

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Chairman of the Council, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi said although the Bawku conflict has resurfaced, there has been a lot of engagement to ensure that it is resolved.

“The situation is becoming much more difficult but on our part, we have not given up. The Otumfuo committee is actively working. The Inter-Ethnic committee is also working and we hope that given a little bit more time, there might be some way to resolve the conflict,” he said.

He was speaking on JoyFM’s Top Story on January 19, 2024.

Rev. Dr Gyamfi called on the public to support the security personnel rather than subject them to scrutiny, adding that this would give them the motivation to give their best in addressing the conflict.

“We need to support the military and the police to bring stability to the area. Sometimes, I think that an attack on the military and the police is wrong because if we lose them, then we don’t have anybody there to help us,”he said.

His comments follow the resurgence of the Bawku conflict with five individuals losing their lives within the past 48 hours.

Despite the tragic loss of lives, another incident unfolded as a bus transporting approximately 45 students from the Presbyterian Nurses Training College in Bawku was ambushed by two armed individuals on motorcycles near Binduri in the Upper East region on Friday.

A number of students who were injured due to the attack were been rushed to the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital for treatment.

According to information reaching JoyNews, the students who had just vacated were heading towards Bolgatanga when they were ambushed by the two men on motorbikes.

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His comment follows recent killings in the area by unidentified gunmen and military men leading to the deaths of five persons in the area.

Tensions are once again high in the community.

According to Dr. Victor Doke, the heightened tension in the area is testament to a break of trust between the people and the state agencies in the area.

He explained that, government agencies have failed to engender collaboration between them and the community people hence the frequent acts of violence in the area.

“There is a clear problem here that there isn’t collaboration or coordination between even the state agencies that are on the ground to ensure peace, i.e. the military, the police and other state institutions,” he said.

He noted that the lack of collaboration also boils down to the woefully under-resourced security agencies expected to engender peace in the area.

Dr. Doke stated that government’s failure to appropriately train and fund the security agencies expected to contain the conflict is a sign of a lack of political will on their part.

“The resources aren’t there to build the capacity to train these servicemen to understand how to relate with conflict access, i.e. the Mamprusis and then the Kusasis, the youth especially.

“Now the political will somehow is lacking. We need to ensure that there is the political will to invest the resources needed, involve the CSOs to come in. There are NGOs on the ground there, most at times you don’t even hear about these NGOs except when there is a meeting, bilateral consultation that they’re invited.

“But when you go to the ground there, you need these NGOs to also be part of you to ensure your engagement with the community is there. We don’t have the sustaining engagements going in.

“Every time we start the process, then we lay back thinking that when we send the soldiers there to separate the two sides from clashing then that is it. But you still hear sporadic shooting that tells you that the guns are still in the system,” he said.

He has urged that government collaborates with peace NGOs in the area to sensitise residents of Bawku on the effect of the conflict on development in the area and to urge them to give up their firearms to ensure an end to gun violence in the area.

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Bawku has over the years been troubled by conflicts, and the disturbing situation has affected economic activities and other spheres of life.

During Dr. Bawumia’s visit to the Nayiri early on this week, following his election as flagbearer of the NPP, the Nayiri urged the Vice President not to hesitate to visit Bawku and meet with stakeholders, including the chiefs, for peace and unity to prevail.

The Nayiri conferred a chieftaincy title on the Vice President under the name “Bigangna”, which means the one who does not discriminate.

The Nayiri said having come to know the unifying traits of Dr. Bawumia, he was optimistic the Vice President will, if elected, be a president for all, who will not discriminate, hence the title.

The Nayiri explained that the title is befitting of the Vice President due to the unifying traits he has demonstrated as a leader for all, regardless of religion and ethnic group, and urged him to continue to bring people together.

As president, the Nayiri stressed that Dr. Bawumia will have the responsibility of uniting Ghana and mediating many disputes. He therefore urged the Vice President not to hesitate to visit chiefs and people of all parts of Ghana, especially Bawku and try to encourage peace amongst all the factions, since unity is his trait.

In response Dr. Bawumia expressed gratitude to the Nayiri and his elders for their prayers and encouragement, adding that he will continue to preach unity and be for all.

“If elected, In shaa Allah, I will be a president for all; for Fantes, for Ashantis, for Ewes, for Kusasis, for Frafra’s, for Konkombas, and all other tribes in Ghana. We are one people,” Dr. Bawumia said.

Dr. Bawumia was accompanied by NPP National Chairman, Stephen Ntim, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Wontumi), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Abu Jinapor, Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif and many MPs from both the Northern and Southern parts of the country.

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In Ghana, the Kusasis and Mamprusis, embroiled in what appears to be an intractable ethnic conflict are perpetuating this same sin which has the potential to blow up.

JoyNews investigations have shown that while Kusasis refer to the Mamprusis as “monkeys”, the Mamprusis also refer to the Kusasis as “pigs” on social media.

These animal labels may seem harmless but history has shown that when humans are tagged as animals, it dehumanizes them. When this is done repeatedly, people start seeing their fellow human beings as sub-human. This could lead to gruesome attacks just like the Holocaust (Nazis referred to Jews as rats) and the Rwandan Genocide.

One of the Facebook users, Spartans Bawku, who identifies as Kusasi posted on his page; “No doubt most of the monkeys don’t know how consistently you are dying in Bawku … you better sit up fool, stop the lies because it would stop us from hurting you like animals”. Spartans Bawku was reacting to a post by a known Mamprusi Facebook user, T Blow Nash that three Kusasis had been killed and 12 of them arrested at Danduri.

While this conflict has not fully captured the nation’s full interest, Bawku has become a dangerous place to live. With the two ethnic groups tagging each other as animals, it is not shocking that from 2021 to date, close to 200 lives have been snuffed out. The Municipal Chief Executive of Bawku, Amadu Hamza, who revealed this to JoyNews, said “Many have died and their bodies were never given to the police”.

When Mamprusis die as a result of this ethnic conflict, the Kusasis gleefully announce that they have killed a “monkey”. For example, a Facebook user called “Man To Culture” with just 77 followers posted on the Kusasi Voice Association page which has over 84,000 followers that “three monkeys six feet at gingande, down”. This announcement was meant to tell the Kusasi group that three Mamprusis had been killed. The comment section saw other users gleefully using laughing and monkey emojis.

A Facebook user called ‘Barbaric Bond’ posted in Kusasi Voice Association on July 17 that the death of five Mamprusis called for celebration. The message was, “It is time for celebration. We have done it again. So proud of you all 5 monkeys down”. This post excited members on the page. The post was liked by 225 people and attracted 62 comments.

Another post by another Facebook user “Possum Link” with over 2,100 followers posted; “Anybody who married Kusasis pigs will give birth to pigs”. Possum further posted that it is “haram” (forbidden) to marry Kusasis. Many Kusasis and Mamprusis flood their pages with such dehumanizing metaphors.  

Another user on Facebook Harry Awintis who identifies as a Mamprusi posted “Anytime there are peace talks that is when they plan to attack….. The military should focus on something else. These monkeys think they are dealing with our grandfathers. We are not backing down today, we are not backing down tomorrow”.

Both ethnic groups have created group pages on Facebook that aggregate hateful views from supporters. Administrators of these groups approve hateful messages that incite violence, circulate pictures, and also call on members to “defend” themselves. In many posts, these groups announce attacks and then later celebrate deaths. Another Facebook user called Bawku Links who identifies as a Mamprusi also posted “We are still collating the last night’s death results. We will make it available for you in due time”.

What followed in the comments section was not a condemnation from the users but expectant Mamprusi’s eagerness to know many people had died. JoyNews has secured audio recordings from Mamprusis and Kusasis calling on their people to attack.  Sometimes they circulate images of people who should be killed.  

A brief history of the Mamprusi and Kusasi conflict.

The conflict between the two ethnic groups is about power. For decades, the groups have engaged in gun battles over who should control Bawku’s chieftaincy. Unraveling the source of the conflict is complex because Mamprusis and Kusasis swear they have the right to control the Bawku chieftaincy.

According to scholar Awedoba, the conflict between the Kusasis and the Mamprusis in the Bawku Traditional Area dates back to 1930 with the Kusasis’ claiming title over the Bawku chieftaincy. The Kusasis ethnic group insists that they were the first to settle in Bawku and all areas under the Bawku skin such as Bawku to Zawse, Pusiga, Yaragungu, Tampelungu, Sapelliga, Nyokko, Binduri, Garu, Zebilla and Tempane. Aside from being the first settlers as well as the majority ethnic group in the Bawku Traditional Area, the Kusasis feel the British colonial government denied them traditional political power by recognizing the Mamprusis as the rulers of Bawku.

The Mamprusis on the other hand, argue that the Kusasis were not original settlers but rather migrated from Burkina Faso. They trace their chiefdom over Bawku to the pre-colonial days and accuse the late President Kwame Nkrumah of meddling in chieftaincy and overseeing the installation of a Kusasi chief after independence. The Kusasis and the Mamprusis have both taken entrenched positions making the conflict protracted in the Bawku Traditional Area. This misunderstanding has led to many gun battles and other forms of violent confrontations which have led to the deaths of many people and the destruction of properties.

This article does not seek to unpack which ethnic group has the right to rule in Bawku, rather it examines how unchecked incitement of hate speech on social media is flaming the conflict. Bawku has remained largely underdeveloped because of the conflict. For many months, the government imposed a curfew in the area and banned the use of motorbikes. Trading activities in Bawku have dwindled. Teachers and health workers among other public service workers refuse posting to Bawku because of the insecurity in the area. In April 2023, an Immigration Officer was shot dead and two other officers were also badly injured after unknown gunmen shot multiple times at the car they were travelling in. 

In September 2023 the Electoral Commission started a limited voter registration exercise in Bawku but residents could not register because of security concerns. The biggest political parties in the country; the ruling New Patriotic Party and National Democratic Congress wanted the EC to create extra registration centres so that their supporters would register. They cited insecurity concerns in the Bawku community.

Incident profiling

The Ghana News Agency reported that 10 people were confirmed dead in Bawku. The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), broke down the incidents by reporting that two civilians died from military gunfire on January 31 and the next day, a similar incident by the military resulted in the death of eight other persons. Seven of the dead were from Sunga, a primarily Kusasi neighbourhood, while the other three were slain in the Bawku township, a mainly Mamprusi neighbourhood.

According to WANEP field monitors, on February 6, 2023, a man was shot and murdered by unidentified attackers on the Sabon-gari road. The same day, some criminals allegedly tried but failed to detonate an improvised explosive device on a significant Bawku bridge. 

On February 7, 2023, at about 5:15 p.m., a group of men sitting at a truck park near the municipal police station were shot at by unidentified armed individuals they believed to be Mamprusis. Two people died immediately as a result of the attack.

On February 9, a Facebook user who identifies as a Mamprusi T Blow Nash posted to his supporters; “Stay calm. Walai, I swear by the gods of Mamprugu, confirmed source 7 dead pigs. Stay calm”. In fact, WANEP field monitors picked up on the incident and reported that several Kusasis homes at Kariama were set on fire and this spiraled into sporadic gunshots that claimed the lives of an additional three people.

Further reports from WANEP field monitors show that three commercial drivers—two Akans and one Bissa—who had loaded their trucks and were about to depart the Bawku township were tragically killed on the highway, while numerous of their passengers suffered varying degrees of injuries.

On Friday, February 10, 2023, it was also reported that a youngster, about the age of 12, had died. According to WANEP-Ghana field monitor reports, the military is to blame for the gunfire that occurred between military personnel and residents in Singnatin at around 12:40 p.m. The victim, who was around 12 years old, is said to have been a member of a gang that is accused of obstructing visitors to the Bawku market. Following that, further gunshots were heard in the municipality.

The Ghanaian Times reported on February 11, 2023, that a national security operative, Fatawu Nambe, and 4 civilians had been killed in renewed clashes in Bawku. One of the civilians was decapitated in the incident that took place at Zanga, near Patelmi, both suburbs of Bawku.

On 21st July, 2023 JoyNews reported that unknown gunmen shot at a Kumasi to Bawku bound bus killing one person and injuring many others at Walewale. Shockingly, the unknown men set the bus on fire right in front of the Walewale police station.

On September 21, 2023, JoyNews reported that at least 9 people had died in an attack in the Upper East region town of Pusiga in what is believed to be related to the chieftaincy conflict in neighbouring Bawku. The attack is said to have occurred that morning when heavily armed men ambushed a convoy of police personnel escorting traders from Bawku to Cinkaase in Togo.

Key pages that spread hate

Both ethnic groups have group pages and individual pages that fan the conflict. From the Mamprusi side, T Blow Nash, Bawku Links and Possum Link are accounts that should be closely monitored by state security. It is as though Bawku Links and Possum Link accounts were created purposely to fan the flames of the conflict. On the Kusasi side, accounts like Harry Awintis, Kusaug Intelligence Center, and Noryinne Malis are also accounts that incite violence. 

Who is T Blow Nash?

“T Blow Nash” purports to be a Mamprusi who regularly updates his fans on Facebook on the ethnic conflict. Nashiru Wuni is his real name. He calls himself a freedom fighter and so does not hide under the cloak of anonymity. He constantly shares history lessons, cautions his ethnic group about an impending attack and then punctuates his posts with a call for peace in Bawku but also threatens violence. The young man stated on a Facebook livestream that his father was “slaughtered” by Kusasis in 2008. It is therefore quite understandable why he will be neck-deep in the conflict. 

On 17th July, 2023 for example, he told his 6,200 followers that he would be live on Facebook to announce “current results…” From the comments section, it was clear that he was going to announce the number of people who had died after an attack. True to his earlier post, he made a live video which attracted over 4,600 views to discredit what he termed rumours that some Mamprusis had been killed.

In the live video captioned “8 Kusasis yesterday, 4 today”, he informed his audience that some Kusasis had rather been killed. He warned, “If anything happened to the car that had been stopped at PWD, I will personally invite unknown gunmen”. He added that even though he does not know the “unknown gunmen”, he will invite them by writing on his Facebook wall.

What prompted this live update was that the Kusasis had earlier posted on the 17th of July that 5 Mamprusis had been killed in a gun battle. So going live was to assure his fan base that Kusasis were also being killed.

T Blow Nash responded by saying that the Kusasis had not informed their supporters that Kusasis also died in the gun battle. A day after this announcement, he posted that the situation in Bawku had become so dire that you either kill or be killed. On July 22, he warned the police that any attempt to arrest anyone linked to an attack that happened on the highway in the North-East region would be resisted.  He boldly attached a picture of a faceless human with fresh wounds.

T Blow Nash sometimes predicts violence and warns his people about impending Kusasi attacks.

On August 12, some buses travelling to Bawku were attacked at a Total filling station. This caught the attention of the media. The DCE for Bawku told JoyNews that one person had been killed and two injured in the attack. T blow Nash had warned on his page that people travelling to Bawku should not travel without police escort because of an imminent attack. He posted on August 10 that “no car moving from Bolga to Bawku should move without escort today”. When the attack happened, he announced that he had warned of the attack. Surprisingly, these brazen displays of information, threats and incitement have not caught the attention of national security personnel.

On 21st September 2023, 9 traders were killed including traders in a bus at Cinkaase a community close to Togo. A few minutes after the attack, T Blow Nash posted that he warned about the attack the previous day. Facebook user Possum Link, also posted on his wall that that since women are now part of the “game” Kusasi market will also be attacked at any moment. Such a strong threat but it appears the account may not have caught the attention of state security agencies as well as Facebook.

Who is Harry Awintis?

On the Kusasi side is Harry Awintis, another user who virtually dedicates almost every post to the ethnic conflict on his page. Unlike T Blow Nash, Harry operates a faceless account. The account calls on his people to attack Mamprusi and excitedly announces deaths. On August 28th Awintis posted; “We can confirm 7 dead Monkeys in Bazua…” The post which was approved on the wall of the Kusasi Voice Association group page with over 13, 000 members, said “no monkey Mamprusi will remain in the Binduri district”.

He also boldly posted in the Kusasi Voice Association that he had secured rifles for his “boys”. The post stated, “I finally got free 5 M16s for my boys…” It is however surprising that national security has not hauled this user in for questioning. Although Harry Awintis has a low number of followers, his posts can reach a high number of people because he posts on the Kusasi Voice Association group page which has a wider reach.

The two groups post images of dead people on their timelines and they brag about it. “Kusasi Links” for instance consistently posts images of dead people and brags about it. Other users post emojis of pigs and laughter emojis. “Kusasi Links” posted a picture of a corpse and added, “Another Mamprusi Bandit from Patilmi family should come for identification”.

To prove that the two ethnic groups are murdering each other, they post dead bodies and bullet wounds on faceless bodies to show that they are winning the ethnic war.

Kusaug Intelligence Centre and Noryinne Malis are faceless accounts that fan the flames of the conflict. Kusaug Intelligence Centre has over 3,800 followers while Noryinne Malis has 966 friends. These pages boldly post images of supposed Mamprusis and call on followers to harm them.

Joynews has gathered that the people behind faceless accounts do not live in the precincts of Bawku. Rather they receive pictures and information of attackers and circulate to show they are winning the ethnic war.

Conclusion

In 2022 the National Media Commission warned that it will close down radio stations that fuel the Bawku conflict. Media managers were told to submit plans to show that they would not stoke the flames of the conflict.

This warning seems to have deterred radio stations from inciting violence. This may have encouraged troublemakers in Bawku to use hate speech on Facebook and other social platforms.

Social media democratises information flow and gives voices to those who have none. Unfortunately, Facebook is being used to sustain this deadly conflict that has claimed over 200 lives according to official figures.

Facebook has failed to regulate such inflammatory content that is heightening the Bawku conflict. In 2018, the UN criticised Facebook as being the conduit for the promotion of conflict in Myanmar. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Yanghee stated; “I am afraid that Facebook has now turned into a beast and not what it originally intended”.

Facebook has also come under heavy criticism for poor moderation in Ethiopia leading to severe consequences.

Just like what happened in Ethiopia Tigray violence, in Ghana, faceless and known people are instructing people to stir up and commit violence. This article is only aiming at sounding alarm bells to Facebook to heighten moderation in Ghana and monitor the Bawku accounts closely. And then to our National Security agencies and operatives, that the ball is being played right in our courts, assuming they are yet to awake to these developments which have dire consequences for national development and cohesion.

END

Speaking on Joy FM, the MCE noted that many people may have died as a result of the conflict, with their bodies not being given to the police.

“The conflict started on November 24, 2021, and though the official records on the death toll from the conflict are to come from the police, theirs may be far lesser than the real numbers on the ground.

“It will be difficult to ascertain the exact number of people killed, but it will hit over 200 if I’m not lying because some combat happens in locations that are difficult for the police and military to get to,” he said.

Mr Hamza’s revelation comes on the back of a shooting incident over the weekend that claimed the life of one person and left three injured.

The deceased has been identified as Paul Agyeman Konadu, a technical teacher at Zamse Senior High/Technical School in the Bolgatanga Municipality.

Mr Hamza who expressed worry at the situation and the continuous deaths, said no arrest has been made yet.

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The Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, who gave the assurance, therefore, appealed to the feuding factions in the fratricidal conflict to support the government’s bid to use dialogue to bring lasting peace to the area.

Mr Asamoah-Boateng said this in an interview with the Daily Graphic yesterday after he had called on the factions in the conflict in Bawku.

It was his first trip to the area since assuming office a fortnight ago.

The separate meetings, which were attended by traditional leaders of the parties, were held behind closed doors. 

Finding lasting solution

Notwithstanding the quest for lasting peace in the area, Mr Asamoah-Boateng said, the journey would be undertaken without compromising the rule of law.

“I know there will be difficulties along the way; there will be challenges; there will be compromises, but I know that the core values will be protected, so that you don’t compromise too much,” he added.

The minister indicated that the government had a very well laid out plan to prioritise areas that required immediate attention to bring closure to those protracted matters.

At the heart of the Kusasi-Mamprusi conflict are issues over litigation over allodial rights and chieftaincy.

Both sides claim allodial ownership of Bawku.

Mr Asamoah-Boateng described the trip as a listening engagement which was done with open-mindedness and said the next move was to put together a road map, with the input of all parties, taking cognisance of previous attempts.

He commended both sides for the reception and their clear support, which was an indication of their recognition that the government wanted to tackle the problem and resolve it once and for all.

Responsibility

The Chieftaincy Minister further said he had made it clear to the factions that the responsibility of the government was to maintain law and order for people to go about their duties peacefully, ensure respect for the rule of law and protect freedom of expression.

All those, he indicated, would be recognised along the way and acknowledged the fact that there would be challenges, the need for compromises in the process and the requirement for give and take.

He said the government also recognised that there were core positions or areas that should be recognised to provide a win-win situation for both sides, so that they could live in peace as one people.

Grievances

Mr Asamoah-Boateng urged all interested parties to come to the table with their grievances and not to take entrenched positions while inflaming passions with their actions and commentary, adding that those with extremist stance must calm down and join the mainstream discussion.

He emphasised that no breach of the law would be countenanced because it was the responsibility of the state to protect all its citizens and curb or deal with illegalities according to the rule of law.

Security threat

He bemoaned the fact that majority of issues affecting the security of the state were chieftaincy-related, saying it was worrying that most of those involved brother against brother and people of the same family and with emotional attachment. 

The Network, in a Bawku situation tracking report, has warned that the conflict is providing opportunities for extremists and terrorist infiltration into Ghana.

A situation, the Network believes could result in intense cross-border violence by the extremists between Burkina Faso and Ghana’s northern borders.

Earlier today, it was reported that three drivers transporting pepper and tomatoes from Bawku to Accra have reportedly been shot dead, with several others sustaining injuries.

This was after unknown gunmen opened fire on the cargo trucks at a spot 20 kilometres from the town.

Some of the injured are receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

Survivors of the shooting which occurred on Tuesday showed LuvNews their bullet-ridden vehicles and recounted their ordeal.

This comes after some reports showed that efforts by the government to stop the enskinment from happening failed.

He lamented that government could have done better as it had the needed resources to stop the ceremony which could intensify the recent conflicts at Bawku. 

“I’m surprised that those in government are saying they didn’t know. Government with all its resources cannot say they didn’t know, it’s not possible.

“But as to why they allowed this to happen and with how fast they’ve reacted to it, they could have stopped it, they could have prevented it. The current government is lacking the political will to deal with the concur in Bawku,” he said.

Dr Bona condemned the enskinment which was headed by some notable chiefs at Bawku and some Regional House of Chiefs.

“Persons involved in the enskinment should be arrested because of the recent happenings in Bawku, which can also affect the town’s peace.

“You want the chieftaincy to come to your side but you don’t use this means to get such a position. You go through a process to undo whoever is there,” he bemoaned.

The security analyst said that the cause of the protracted chieftaincy disputes is politics.

Dr Bona indicated that politicians are taking advantage of the situation in Bawku.

“It has become political because if you go to the town, some support the NPP, some support the NDC. It is an open secret there that the two tribes fighting are affiliated with the NPP and NDC. So the politicians have taken advantage of it.

“Some of the warlords are politicians. Most of the warlords are NDC. Some people are benefiting from the Bawku conflict,” he said on Accra-based Neat FM.

Since last year, renewed chieftaincy clashes at Bawku have resulted in a number of casualties and damage to property.

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Allegedly, the Mamprusi faction in the protracted Bawku conflict was at the palace of the overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Bohugu Mahama Abdulai Sherigah II on Wednesday for the enskinment of a new Bawku Naba despite the recognition of Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II by the government and the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs as the legitimate ruler of the area.

Government has since ordered the arrest of all persons involved in the enskinment of a new Bawku Naba in the North East Region.

They have described the act as null and void amidst calls on the government to correct the error to avoid further deterioration in the area.

At a press conference in parliament on Wednesday, the MPs described the enskinment as an affront to the Ghanaian culture.

Zebilla MP, Cletus Avoka, who spoke on behalf of the group, lamented over the Bawku dispute which has raged on for years.

The Mamprusi faction of the protracted Bawku conflict on Wednesday was at the palace of the overlord of  Mamprugu (Nayiri), Naa Bohugu Mahama Abdulai II for the enskinment of a new Bawku Naba despite the recognition of Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II by the government and the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs as the legitimate ruler of the area.

The Nayiri has since enskinned Seidu Abagre Kulugu as chief for the Bawku Traditional area, raising concerns over a possible escalation of the conflict in the area.

The action of the Nayiri, who is the kingmaker for Mamprugu, Bawku and other areas in the Upper East Region, is considered a disregard for the current Bawku Naba and could lead to more bloody clashes in the conflict-prone town.

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But the MPs say the purported enskinment will not be recognized.

The government through the Ministry of Information has said the act is illegal and a national security violation. 

The MPs are calling on government to do more than just condemn and take decisive action.

The group says they are surprised the security agencies did not pick any intelligence to forestall what they call an illegal enskinment which can lead to chaos.

The Defence Minister on February 8, said although there were 400 military personnel at Bawk, government will send 500 more to maintain the peace.

He said persons involved in the conflict are criminals and must be treated as such, adding that the ongoing conflict is no longer tied to chieftaincy disputes.

However, Col Aboagye said this approach was wrong because the state was handling the conflict as though the presence of the military will end the conflict.

“It seems as if the military deployment itself is an end in itself. Indeed many inter-ethnic conflicts and other conflicts are never solved through the use of force…the conflict can never be solved by deploring the military,” he said.

Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, he explained that the military can only be used to restore calm for the negotiation process to begin.

“The military is to try and contribute to a de-escalation of the violence that rose up within a very short space of time. In order that it creates that kind of space, not geographical space but the space where mediation and dialogue can begin to take place constructive,” he said.

Touching on the Defence Minister’s labelling of the parties involved in the conflict, the Security Analyst said “it is wrong to label as it worsens the matter”.

“It does not help that certain utterances by politically exposed persons including the Defense Minister start labelling any or all the parties as criminal, it does not help.

“In fact, the book says labelling or putting labels on parties in a conflict is counterproductive, “he added.

Mr Aboagye advised government to be measured in utterances. He stressed that the “military is a conflict management mechanism, not a conflict resolution mechanism.” 

The military since its deployment to Bawku has been accused of killing seven locals in the community.

However, in a release, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) rejected the claim. They said the reportage was untrue and should be ignored.

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The statement said that the soldiers engaged a group of armed men and neutralised six of them.

“In a separate incident, sporadic firing was heard around Sabongari General Area. A Patrol Team dispatched to assess the situation spotted unknown armed men at Gozesi-Valley side in Sabongari wearing black T-shirts with Black Hoodies. 

“Troops engaged them and neutralised six armed men. During the engagement, some armed men took cover in a mud house within the immediate vicinity to engage the Team,” the statement read.