John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) appeals to the people of Bawku and its surroundings to exercise patience and restraint.
The Bawku conflict, a longstanding issue in Ghana’s Upper East Region, centers around 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.
The government explained in the release that the curfew was prompted by growing concerns for public safety following the return of Seidu Abagre, an individual allegedly involved in a dispute over the Bawku Naba title.
They noted that “the return to Bawku, on 24th October 2024, of Mr. Seidu Abagre, who was illegally enskinned as Bawku Naba in February 2023,” has led to unrest and “significant disturbances affecting public peace and security in the area.”
Speaking during a community engagement at the Saboba Community Center as part of his campaign tour of the Northern Region, the former President urged the people not to allow some sinister hands, stoking the fires of ethnic conflict to provoke them.
Mahama said, “Unfortunately, anytime 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 just appeal to the people of the Bawku area and all those who are stakeholders in what is happening there to exercise patience and exercise restraint”, he added.
He further mentioned, “We know that there are some sinister hands who are trying to stoke the fires of ethnic conflict. They should not allow themselves to be provoked to violence”.
“So please, the people of the Bawku area, I am begging you, I am pleading with you, remain calm, be restrained, don’t resort to the conflict”, he pleaded.
Mahama concluded, “NDC is coming. When we [NDC] come, we will make sure there is peace in Bawku and surrounding areas”.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Agnes Gyamfuaa Ofosu
