16 Dead In Bawku Chieftaincy Conflict

The return of Seidu Abagre to Bawku on October 24, after his contentious enskinment as Bawku Naba in February 2023 which triggered the latest unrest in the locality has resulted in the death of 16 people, that’s according to the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng.

In view of that, the Minister has further cautioned those politicking and doing blame games with the sensitive issue at hand to desist from such practice, adding that, government is commitment to resolving the issue impartially.

“Government is guided by its responsibility to protect lives and property and above all to enforce law and order to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. Government will keep listening to you and act impartiality.

“To build and maintain the peace in Bawku and its environs, no one should play politics with this sensitive matter. I will continue to engage with my colleagues in the political arena from all sides to work with government to resolve the current problem and to work towards lasting peace in the area” he stated during a press briefing yesterday.

He also urged the traditional leaders in the area to refrain from acts that may escalate the conflict.

“I strongly call on the traditional leaders from both sides to refrain from any act that will escalate the situation.”

In addition, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, along with other prominent chiefs, have been contacted to mediate the Bawku chieftaincy conflict in the Upper East Region.

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.

In another development, former President John Mahama speaking to supporters in Saboba on Monday, October 28, urged all factions involved in the dispute to exercise restraint and avoid any form of violent provocation.

“Without peace, there cannot be progress, unfortunately, any time the peace of Ghana will be disturbed, it is the NPP government that is in power. Recently, I have been hearing some things happening in Bawku that appear to be threatening to disturb the peace there. I will just appeal to the people of Bawku area and all those who are stakeholders in what is happening there to exercise patience and exercise restraint. We know that some sinister hands are trying to stoke the fires of ethnic conflict.

He added, “They should not allow themselves to be provoked into violence. And so, please the people of the Bawku area, I’m begging you, pleading with you to remain calm, be restrained, and don’t resort to conflict. NDC is coming and when we come, we will make sure that there’s peace in Bawku and surrounding areas. The most dangerous person to avoid is a person who says one thing and does another thing, the most dangerous person is someone who says something today and says something tomorrow. The most dangerous person is someone you cannot trust.”

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service in a press statement re-affirmed their commitment to restore calm in Bawku.

“Aside the police and military deployment in Bawku and its environs, there is a joint Police and Military deployment along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway to ensure security and manage vehicular traffic”, the police emphasised.