Bawku has been in the news for the past five years. This follows some comments on Facebook and TikTok accounts by individuals. Bawku was one of the peaceful and fast-growing business towns in Ghana. Bawku, in the Upper East Region, shares borders with two countries: Burkina Faso and Togo.
The Bawku conflict has resurfaced again after the enskinment of rival chief Seidu Abagri took place at the Nalerigu chief palace as the paramount chief of Bawku. Since the day of the enskinment of the rival chief, over 100 people have lost their lives as a result of the conflict. His Excellency, the former president Nana Addo, started the mediation process with the Royal Majesty Otumfour Osei Tutu. State security has been involved in the conflict, resulting in the killing of civilians and the destruction of property. Bawku has been under curfew for the past five years, with a ban on riding motorcycles, Wearing of smocks, including of chiefs, is significant. In the year 2024, during the general election, queen mothers, chiefs, religious leaders, youth, and peace-loving people called for a change of government to bring back peace to Bawku. They believe that the then government, led by Nana Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has not acted in the best interest of the Bawku conflict. This resulted in zero votes for the NPP in some polling stations in Bawku and its environs.
Speaking on the issue of how peace can return to Bawku while we await the Otumfour mediation process, Mr. Henry Mbilla asked what can be done to slow down the killing of innocent people and the destruction of property. He called for an apology from the Bawku Mamprusis to Bawku Naaba Asigiri Abugrago Azoka II for the destruction caused to the people of the Upper East Region and Ghanaians. Through this, the overlord of the Kusaaug Traditional Council, Naaba Asigiri Abugrago Azoka II, can grant the Bawku Mamprusis a chief.
According to him, nothing can bring peace to Bawku if the Bawku Mamprusis refuse to accept the Bawku Mamprusis community chief but instead want to be the overlord of the Kusaaug Traditional Council.
For his part, the Bawku Mamprusis should not be deceived by anyone into thinking that they can one day become the overlord of Bawku—never.
Meanwhile, Ghanaians are still waiting for the outcome of the Otumfour mediation process.
