Bawku Conflict: You Cannot Exile Someone from His Hometown, Says Member of Nayiri’s Legal Team
By Emma Ankrah
In a recent development within the ongoing Bawku conflict, a representative from the legal team of the Nayiri, the traditional ruler of the Mamprugu Kingdom, has voiced strong opposition to the notion of exiling individuals from their own hometowns. This statement comes amid escalating tensions in the Bawku area, a region that has been plagued by intermittent conflict involving chieftaincy, land rights, and traditional authority disputes.
The legal team member emphasized the importance of maintaining the rights of individuals to remain in their ancestral lands, calling any attempt to forcibly remove or exile individuals from their homes a serious breach of fundamental rights. According to him, such actions are not only illegal but also a violation of the principle that every individual has a right to reside in the place of their birth and cultural heritage. "No one has the authority to drive people away from their homes, especially when it’s a matter of family lineage and ancestral lands," he remarked.
This position is especially significant, given the history and context of the Bawku conflict, which has seen various attempts at mediation and peace-building from both local and national authorities. The Nayiri’s legal team insists that any peace-building process should focus on inclusivity, respect for traditional rights, and a collaborative approach to resolving disputes rather than resorting to extreme measures like forced relocation.
The Bawku conflict itself is deeply rooted in long-standing issues concerning chieftaincy rights and traditional authority over land. Bawku, a multi-ethnic area with a rich cultural history, has often been at the center of contention due to overlapping claims from the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups. These disputes have led to episodes of violence and significant displacement within the community.
In light of the legal team’s statement, calls for a peaceful resolution have intensified. Various civil society organizations, local leaders, and government officials have echoed the need for a dialogue-based approach. They urge a renewed commitment to peaceful negotiations, reinforcing the idea that sustainable peace can only be achieved through respect for both modern legal standards and the deeply rooted customs of the people involved.
The Nayiri’s legal team has also urged the government to take a balanced approach in addressing the crisis. According to the spokesperson, any intervention must protect the cultural integrity and traditional rights of all parties, acknowledging that the Bawku conflict is not merely a legal matter but one that affects the very identity and heritage of its people.
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