2 weeks Ago By Ghana News
GhanaWeb Feature by Victoria Kyei Baffour In the Upper East Region of Ghana is a longstanding dispute that has existed between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups. This conflict has been happening for decades at volatile levels for most of the time. The Bawku conflict, which dates back to the pre-colonial era and gained prominence around 1957, has resulted in significant violence, displacements, and loss of lives.
A complex history The conflict stems from ancient historical claims, with the Mamprusi asserting their traditional authority over the Kusasi. British colonial rule also played a significant role in shaping these tensions, as some argue that colonial policies deepened divisions between the groups. Over time, disputes over chieftaincy, land ownership, and political influence have continued to fuel the conflict, making resolution challenging.
The human costs This conflict has had a devastating impact on local communities. Many lives have been lost, and countless others have been displaced. The violence has also led to the proliferation of arms, worsening the situation and raising concerns about potential links to extremist groups.
The ongoing Bawku conflict has resulted in a troubling number of casualties, raising concerns about the prolonged instability in the region. Reports indicate that the situation continues to escalate, with lives being lost due to the clashes between opposing groups. While efforts have been made to restore peace, the toll of the violence serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for resolution and reconciliation.
The impact of the conflict also extends beyond the loss of lives, affecting communities, businesses, and the overall security of the area. Efforts towards peacebuilding Despite the challenges, there have been efforts towards peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue and understanding between the two ethnic groups have been launched, and some have shown promise.
Before leaving office, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed his sorrow over how a once-thriving community like Bawku had been reduced to a state of destruction and mistrust. According to him, in a bid to find a lasting solution to the conflict, the government in the past years undertook several measures, including the establishment of a special Bawku Taskforce, and the intensification of engagements with the factions for the resolution of the chieftaincy dispute. Delivering his final State of the Nation address on Tuesday, February 27, 2025, he stated; “The tragedy is not only that a thriving and dynamic town is being reduced to a wasteland of destruction and distrust, we are spending money and energy that would have been better spent on development needs of Bawku, providing security to keep brothers and sisters from killing each other.
“Mr Speaker, what should concern all of us and not just the people of Bawku is that, in its current state, Bawku is an alluring magnet to mischief makers and extremists operating a few kilometres across from the border,” former President Akufo-Addo said. The sitting Head of State, President John Dramani Mahama, also recently visited the Bawku township to address the ongoing conflict, continuing his efforts to engage with the matter as he has done in the past. As part of his campaign promises, it was essential for him to follow through and fulfil this commitment.
At the Zug-raan Palace at Bawku, after a closed-door meeting with the Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, President Mahama told the chiefs, elders, and people of the Kusaug traditional area to exercise restraint and cooperate with all stakeholders for lasting peace and development. He assured them that after appointing his security heads, he would charge them with making Bawku one of the priorities they must address. At the Naa Giri Palace at Nalerigu, the president assured Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sherigahim that, as a son of the land, he would go the extra mile to bring lasting peace and facilitate the area’s development.
“I know that my father has not been sleeping because of what is happening at Bawku and what is happening at Walewale, which is giving him sleepless nights. During the campaign, I promised peace would be one of my major priorities, so it’s exactly one week since I was sworn in, and this is my first major assignment outside Accra,” Mahama said. However, more needs to be done to address the underlying issues driving the conflict.
A call to action The Bawku conflict is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to resolve it. The government, traditional leaders, and Civil Society Organisations must work together to address the root causes of the conflict and promote peace and stability in the region. Only through sustained efforts can this prolonged conflict be brought to an end.
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