The Kusaug People’s Congress (KPC) has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to prioritize peace in Bawku before his tenure ends. The region has seen renewed violent clashes that have claimed over 15 lives in recent months, a development KPC attributes partly to government inaction. The KPC insists that Akufo-Addo, who took office when Bawku was relatively peaceful, should not leave it in turmoil.
At a press conference held in Accra on November 7, 2024, Rev. Prof. John Azumah, President of the KPC, expressed the group's concerns about the persistent conflict that, according to him, has gone unchecked since November 2021. He criticized the government’s perceived lack of intervention, stating, "The government should be held responsible for this ongoing bloodshed because they are aware of the causes of the instability but have failed to take effective measures to maintain peace."
Rev. Prof. Azumah emphasized the long-standing importance of stability in Bawku, noting that both Kusasis and Mamprusis have a shared interest in peace. However, he argued that recent actions by certain groups have created a precarious situation in Bawku, a town that has historically struggled with ethnic and land-related conflicts.
One significant issue raised by the KPC is what they perceive as lawlessness among some Mamprusi community members, emboldened, according to KPC, by a lack of enforcement of court rulings. “Mamprusis feel more emboldened to ignore court orders under the current administration,” Rev. Prof. Azumah alleged, citing three instances in which court directives were disregarded by some within the Mamprusi community. The Kusaug leader attributed this defiance partly to the presence of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a Mamprusi, in the current government. This, he claims, has influenced the Mamprusis’ sense of autonomy and, in some cases, disregard for legal resolutions.
Rev. Prof. Azumah also highlighted the human toll of the violence, with innocent lives lost, families displaced, and businesses disrupted. He urged the government to act decisively in restoring peace, noting that a peaceful Bawku would be beneficial to all communities, not just the Kusasis or the Mamprusis. “This is not just about one group; everyone suffers when peace is absent. The people of Bawku deserve to live without fear,” he said.
The KPC president further warned that continued government inaction might result in a prolonged and more deeply rooted conflict. “The conflict has dragged on unnecessarily because no clear steps have been taken to address the underlying causes,” he remarked. Rev. Prof. Azumah called on the government to prioritize dialogue, security, and the enforcement of legal rulings, emphasizing that an immediate intervention could help end the ongoing cycle of violence.
In a broader sense, the KPC’s demands point to the significant role government can play in conflict resolution by actively supporting local peace initiatives and ensuring that all community members feel represented and heard. While the KPC acknowledges that the Kusasi people are determined to continue fighting for peace and justice, they stress that without government support, efforts to resolve the crisis may be stymied.
Despite the criticism directed at the government, the KPC remains optimistic that peace can still be achieved. Rev. Prof. Azumah expressed hope that, with the government’s support, Kusasis and Mamprusis alike can work toward building a stable, harmonious Bawku. He also extended an invitation to both parties to pursue reconciliation and bridge their differences through constructive dialogue.
In concluding remarks, Rev. Prof. Azumah noted that it would be a mark of President Akufo-Addo’s legacy if he were to leave office having restored peace in Bawku. “It would mean a lot to the people of Bawku, and to the entire country, if this administration were to be remembered for bringing an end to these hostilities,” he stated.
The KPC’s appeal reflects a widespread yearning for stability in the region, where families and communities remain affected by insecurity. As President Akufo-Addo’s administration winds down, the Kusaug People’s Congress believes that restoring peace to Bawku should be among his highest priorities. With decisive leadership and government support, they hope a peaceful resolution can be found, allowing Bawku’s residents to live without fear and rebuild their community’s sense of unity and security.
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