Stephen Atubiga is Founder and Leader of National Liberation Congress
Founder and Leader of the National Liberation Congress (NLC), Stephen Atubiga, has expressed concern over the protracted conflict in Bawku in the Upper East Region.
Speaking in an interview on UTV, monitored by GhanaWeb on Saturday, August 2, 2025, Atubiga called on residents to embrace peace and unity, lamenting the region’s prolonged underdevelopment due to the unrest.
“We receive international calls, and I must say it is an indictment on us. It is embarrassing. I am telling you the seriousness of the Bawku conflict,” he said. “I wish I could change my name to Kwasi Boakye, an Asante name, because of the disgrace, what is in chieftaincy? It is worth it for anyone to die. How much is an acre of land in the township?
“There is nothing in Bawku, some residents are living in abject poverty, struggling to survive”, he noted.
Atubiga disclosed that he often uses his own funds to support families affected by the violence.
“You can ask my aides, I spend not less than GH¢5,000 a day to assist residents. I could have used that money for other purposes, like marrying a third or fourth wife,” he said with a mix of humour and frustration.
He also spoke about the emotional toll the conflict has taken on him.
“I have never celebrated my birthday,” he shared. “I called my father, who has been an MP before, he said, ‘My son, I am sleeping and it’s only 2PM’, the situation is very bad”, he added.
The Bawku conflict, rooted in deep-seated chieftaincy and ethnic tensions, continues to affect livelihoods and delay development in the area.
JKB/EB
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