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Bawku conflict: Otumfuo to lead peace talk soon - Govt announces
Bawku conflict: Otumfuo to lead peace talk soon - Govt announces
By: Abigail | 3 mins read
President John Mahama has given his assurance that the peace talks led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will resume next week as part of renewed efforts to bring lasting peace to Bawku.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had been involved in peace mediation efforts in Bawku before. His previous involvement dates back to 2013 during President John Mahama's administration.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Ghana Military Academy on Friday, April 11, Mahama said the Asantehene had pledged to resume the mediation process after returning from a short trip outside the country.
“We have triggered the Otumfuo mediation process, which saw all stakeholders participate in discussions in Kumasi on a roadmap towards peace. I am assured by the Asantehene that the process will commence next week when he returns from his brief visit abroad,” he announced.
He urged all parties to renew their commitment to peace, adding, “I entreat all sides to embrace peace as we dialogue to resolve these age-old disputes.”The president’s remarks come at a time when the Bawku conflict had escalated following a clash between the police and some residents which led to the death of one youngman.
In a retaliatory move,the agitated youth allegedly set ablaze the residence of the Member of Parliament of Bawku, Mahama Ayariga.
In response to this, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, led a high-powered team of operations, investigation, and intelligence officers to Bawku in the Upper East Region to assess the security situation on the ground.
During his address, the IGP apologized for any mistakes made by the police in handling the conflict and assured residents of the police's neutrality and commitment to maintaining law and order. He also urged the youth to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
However, tensions flared when the IGP promised priority recruitment into the police service for the youth if they disarmed. This offer was met with frustration and hooting from the crowd, as many residents felt it did not address their primary concerns about the ongoing conflict and security issues.
The IGP’s recruitment promise has been met with generally heavy criticism from the public including some security experts and the minority.
The Minority condemned the move labelling it as"unfortunate" and "out of place." Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh expressed concerns that the statement could set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that people in other parts of the country might resort to violence to gain similar recruitment opportunities.
About the conflict
The Bawku conflict is a long-standing ethnic and chieftaincy dispute between the Mamprusi and Kusasi groups in Ghana's Upper East Region. Its roots trace back to colonial policies that favored Mamprusi chiefs for the Bawku skin, a traditional leadership position.
After Ghana's independence in 1957, the Kusasi began asserting claims to the skin, citing demographic majority and political support. This struggle has led to cycles of violence but peace and calm was restored for some months. However, in recent years, the conflict has escalated, with sporadic clashes and targeted attacks.
The escalation which started in January 2025 was triggered by the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a parallel chief installed by the Nayiri in Nalerigu in 2022. After being forced into exile due to an arrest warrant, he returned to Bawku in November 2024 following the warrant's dismissal by a High Court in Kumasi.
His return reignited tensions between the Mamprusi and Kusasi factions, triggered by a dispute over chieftaincy legitimacy during a traditional festival. Following this, there have been cases of gunmen attacking travellers and settling ablaze their buses sometimes with passengers on board among other violent attacks.
The recent death recorded raises the death toll to over 30, including civilians, security personnel, and others caught in crossfire.
