The government has escalated its security strategy in Bawku from peacekeeping to peace enforcement following renewed clashes that threaten the fragile peace process in the Upper East Region.
In this regard, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have intensified operations, enforcing stricter curfew measures to restore order in the restive town.
A statement issued by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, warned that security forces would “take all necessary measures” to protect lives and property in the area.
The government acknowledged the near-successful mediation by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, supported by the Nayiri (Mamprugu Overlord) and Zugraana (Kusasi Chief), which had nearly resolved the decades-old conflict before the latest violence erupted.
The Bawku chieftaincy crisis, primarily between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups, dates back to colonial-era disputes over traditional authority.
Despite intermittent peace, the area has suffered recurrent bloodshed, displacing thousands and disrupting socio-economic activities.
Hopeful progress has been seen in recent months but fresh killings last week forced the government’s tough response.
Appeal for Calm
While regretting the inconvenience to residents, the statement urged full cooperation with security forces, and called on factions to “refrain from violence” and support dialogue.
It assured students and vulnerable groups of special protection as enforcement measures take effect.
Recent efforts
The Nayiri of Mamprugu, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, recently offered to make some concessions in the Bawku conflict mediation efforts that would bring lasting peace to the area.
President John Dramani Mahama consequently commended the Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area for his “dignified and statesmanlike” role in mediating the protracted conflict in Bawku.
Speaking during a courtesy call by a delegation from the Nayiri at the Jubilee House, President Mahama revealed that the Nayiri had shown willingness to make concessions to resolve the conflict following collaborative discussions with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“I was with His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, two days ago, and he briefed me on the cooperation you have given him in finding a final traditional solution to the conflict,” President Mahama said.
“I commend you for the concessions you are willing to make to see lasting peace in Bawku,” he added.
The President pledged the government’s support to restore lasting peace in the troubled area.
He described Bawku, once a thriving commercial hub, as a “pale shadow of itself” due to the violence, which had displaced professionals and forced public workers to reject postings to the area.
Context
The protracted conflict has claimed hundreds of lives, with various commercial establishments, including banks, shutting offices in the area.
In 2024, the Judicial Service closed courts in the conflict area as staff lived in constant fear in the midst of the unending violence.
In April, this year, traditional ruler and Chancellor of the University of Education Winneba (UEW), Neenyi Ghartey, appealed to the government and other actors in the Bawku conflict to pursue efforts towards lasting peace with urgency.
He urged the government and relevant agencies to work to intensify efforts, including diplomatic, developmental and security-based strategies, to bring lasting peace to the area.
“This is not a Bawku issue.
This is a national responsibility. Let us not treat this as a distant conflict, but as a national wound that requires our collective healing,” Neenyi Ghartey said in a passionate appeal during an address at the second session of the 29th congregation of the UEW.
Neenyi Ghartey’s appeal came in the wake of the uncertainty that had enveloped the area for years as the violent conflict continued to impact education, health care and other aspects of the economy.