The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Leadership of the Garu Constituency has issued a statement weighing in on the unfortunate situation in Kusaug due to the ongoing Bawku Conflict.
The Bawku conflict, a longstanding issue in Ghana’s Upper East Region, centers on a prolonged chieftaincy dispute between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups, both of which claim the rightful authority to the Bawku Naba title.
This deep-rooted rivalry has frequently led to violence, with periods of calm interrupted by escalations. The government has periodically intervened by imposing curfews and deploying security personnel, although tensions continue due to unresolved disputes and competing claims to the chieftaincy.
In a press release, the NPP leadership of the Garu Constituency stated that per the directives of the Zugraan and the Kusaug Traditional Council, they have suspended their campaign activities of the NPP in the six constituencies of Kusaug. They further stated that per the Supreme Court’s ruling, they acknowledge and pledge loyalty to Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the Bawku Naba of the Kusaug Traditional Area.
“It has become very necessary for us to issue this press statement given the current unfortunate situation in Kusaug occasioned by the return into Bawku of the illegally self-proclaimed chief Seidu Abagre, which has led to renewed clashes between the Kusasis and the Mamprusis, leading to loss of lives and properties within Kusaug and the North East Region, specifically Walewale. This sad situation required our due attention, and since the dawn of the renewed clashes on October 25, 2024, we have suspended our campaign activities in line with the directive of Zugraan and the Kusaug Traditional Council to suspend the campaign activities of the NPP in the six constituencies of Kusaug. We recognize the Supreme Court of Ghana’s decision that Zugraan ASIGRI ABUGRAGO AZOKA II is the Bawku Naba of the Kusaug Traditional Area.” the statement read.
The statement further urged stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, and the government to take the Supreme Court’s decision. It also appealed to the government to help restore peace and calm in the constituency.
“We pledge our unalloyed loyalty to Zugraan and therefore restate our position that there is only one overlord of Kusaug, who is the Zugraan Bawku Naaba, ASIGRI NDEBUGRI ANTHONY ABUGRAGO AZOKA II, and demand that the government, law enforcement (Deputy Organizer) agencies and all stakeholders take the necessary steps to deal with anybody within Kusaug who holds himself out as Bawku Naba in contravention with the law. We also call on the government to take timely remedial actions to restore an environment of peace, tranquility, and respect for the dignity of everyone in the YARO KPEMKA.
Attached is the full statement
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Salimatu Nuhu