Growing Tensions in Bawku: Calls for Court Resolution Amid Renewed Violence
The chairman of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, Alhaji Sumaila Issaka, has expressed concern that the prolonged Bawku conflict has surpassed the potential for mediation due to deep-rooted divisions between the involved factions. In an interview with Alfred Ocansey on October 29, 2024, Issaka shared his frustration, noting that while efforts to bring both sides to the negotiation table have been persistent, they have been met with resistance, with positions becoming increasingly inflexible. "Each time, the story changes," Issaka remarked, explaining the barriers to achieving consensus. He suggested that taking the dispute to court might provide a more definitive resolution, even if it isn’t an ideal solution. A court ruling, he said, could help buy time to explore alternative approaches to peace.
In contrast, security analyst Emmanuel Kotin disagreed with Issaka's assessment, arguing that no conflict is beyond mediation as long as parties are willing to engage. “I can’t agree with him at all. There can never be a situation that is beyond mediation as much as we are human beings,” Kotin stated, emphasizing that continuous dialogue remains essential.
The recent escalation in violence has renewed focus on the longstanding Bawku crisis, which has occasionally seen periods of relative calm. This new wave of conflict began following the return of a rival chief, Alhaji Seidu, from exile. Tensions flared up significantly on October 27, 2024, when gunmen ambushed travelers on the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi, close to Walewale. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers stopped vehicles, interrogated passengers, and then killed eight individuals. Two vehicles were subsequently set ablaze, heightening public fear and outrage.
In response to the resurgence of violence, the Ministry of Interior convened an emergency National Security meeting on October 28, 2024. This resulted in a curfew imposed from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM in an attempt to curb the violence and ensure public safety. The Ghana Police Service, along with other security agencies, has committed to maintaining order in Bawku and its surrounding areas, assuring residents of their efforts to restore peace.
Additionally, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has called upon Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to lead a delegation of prominent chiefs in mediating the chieftaincy dispute. The involvement of respected leaders is seen as a step toward addressing the underlying issues fueling the conflict.
The Bawku conflict, rooted in historical tensions and territorial disputes, continues to present challenges for peace initiatives. While some advocate for judicial intervention, others believe that mediation and dialogue are essential. With the government’s involvement and the imposition of a curfew, there is hope that these measures will lead to a sustainable resolution and prevent further violence in the region.
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