The Upper East Regional Peace Council has urged residents and factions involved in the Bawku chieftaincy conflict to abandon violence and adopt non-violent means to resolve their differences. This plea comes in response to escalating violent clashes in the Bawku township and surrounding areas, which have resulted in over 20 deaths and numerous injuries since last Thursday due to the ongoing chieftaincy dispute.
In a statement signed by Alhaji Sumaila Issaka, the Chairman of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, the Council expressed deep concern over the recent violence. The statement highlighted that such actions would only exacerbate the conflict in the region.
“The Upper East Regional Peace Council has noted with profound sadness the recent happenings in Bawku,” it read. “This is particularly disheartening following many fruitful engagements by all stakeholders and a period of relative calm earlier in the year, which led to the easing of the curfew and peaceful celebrations of the Damba festival. However, since October 24, 2024, the situation in Bawku has worsened, resulting in loss of life and heightened insecurity, extending even to the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway.”
While acknowledging the efforts of stakeholders, especially security services and the community, the Council called on all parties in the conflict to heed the call for non-violence and to protect the peace necessary for Bawku to return to stability.
The statement also urged security agencies to maintain professionalism and act proactively to ensure the safety of all residents and travelers along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway. It encouraged the residents of Bawku to support law enforcement in implementing measures to ease tensions, allowing for the pursuit of livelihoods in a safer environment.
“As we enter the last quarter of the year with upcoming general elections and annual festivals such as Samanpiid and Buud Yelle, it is crucial that these events occur in a climate of peace,” the statement emphasized.
“It should be clear to all parties that violence only deepens the suffering of the people of Bawku and is not a solution to their grievances. Without non-violent approaches, we risk witnessing another cycle of violence and insecurity that benefits no one,” it added.
Reliable sources informed the Ghana News Agency that the clashes stemmed from the reported return of a new chief, who had been enskinned by one of the factions involved in the longstanding conflict. A High Court had previously issued an arrest warrant for the new chief, deeming the enskinment illegal. However, the court withdrew the warrant a few days ago, enabling the chief’s return, which sparked tensions and led to gunfire, resulting in several casualties.
The violence reportedly began following the alleged killing of an 11-year-old girl by one of the factions. More than 20 individuals lost their lives in Bawku on Thursday, while eight others were killed on the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Walewale during an attack linked to the renewed clashes in Bawku. Armed men blocked vehicles on the highway and opened fire on travelers, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
