Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has issued a strong statement following an attack on his private residence in Bawku, describing it as a result of ongoing tensions between the youth and law enforcement in the troubled municipality.
While away on an official assignment abroad, the MP received reports of violent clashes in Bawku, culminating in an attempt to burn down his house. In a public statement released on Friday, April 11, 2025, Hon. Ayariga acknowledged the anger and frustration felt by the youth over the slow pace in resolving the longstanding conflict in Bawku and Kusaaug. He also pointed to the misconduct of “misguided law enforcement officers” as a contributing factor.
“I understand the anger and frustration of the youth… The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government remains committed to its promise to ensure justice and lasting peace,” he stated, offering his condolences to those who have lost loved ones or were injured in the recent clashes.
Hon. Ayariga further urged calm and reaffirmed his support for the peace process being spearheaded by His Majesty the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with the backing of traditional leaders including the Overlord of Kusaaug, Zugran Naaba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, and the Overlord of Mamprugu, Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga.
He dismissed what he called “lies” and a “smear campaign” being propagated by political detractors on social media, urging the public to disregard such narratives. “The smear campaign on social media will not distract me. In the end, we will be vindicated,” he asserted.
In a follow-up page of the statement, the MP reiterated his long-held personal position that no individual should claim chieftaincy in Bawku aside from the recognized authority. “I agree with the youth of Kusaaug that another person cannot reside in Bawku claiming to be chief,” Ayariga emphasized, reaffirming his support for Otumfuo’s efforts to bring the matter to a resolution.
The conflict, which has lingered for years, was previously handed over to the Asantehene by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. President John Dramani Mahama, upon taking office in January 2025, has maintained that Otumfuo should continue to mediate the process a move Ayariga strongly backs.
The MP concluded his statement with a call for restraint and peaceful coexistence in the region. “I also appeal to everyone to maintain cordial relations with the law enforcement agencies to protect lives in the interim,” he said.
