Bawku Conflict: Ghana Card Allegedly Used to Identify Tribes – John Krugu
Bawku, November 2024 – In the latest development surrounding the Bawku conflict, John Krugu, a prominent figure from the Kusaug region, has raised concerns about the use of the Ghana Card for purposes beyond its intended function. Krugu claims that the card is allegedly being used by some parties to identify individuals’ tribal backgrounds, a practice he fears could worsen the long-standing tensions in Bawku.
The Ghana Card, a biometric identity card issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA), was designed to provide a secure and standardized form of identification for all Ghanaian citizens. Its primary objectives include simplifying access to social services, enhancing voter registration, and improving security through reliable identification. However, Krugu’s allegations suggest that in Bawku, where historical disputes have long divided various ethnic groups, the card’s detailed information is being misused to categorize people by tribe, intensifying divisions.
“People are afraid to show their Ghana Cards in some places because others might see their ethnic background on the card and react negatively,” Krugu stated. “This practice goes against the purpose of the Ghana Card and contributes to an atmosphere of distrust.”
Krugu emphasized that using the Ghana Card to profile individuals in this way could lead to targeting or discrimination. He urged authorities to investigate and ensure that the biometric system is not misused. “The Ghana Card should unify, not divide us,” he said. “But if it’s being used to expose tribal affiliations, it has the potential to exacerbate the conflict in Bawku.”
The Bawku conflict, a historical dispute largely rooted in chieftaincy issues and competing claims over land, has flared periodically, with ethnic tensions occasionally leading to violence. The Ghanaian government has deployed security forces to the area multiple times to maintain peace and prevent further escalation. Yet, the conflict remains unresolved, with stakeholders calling for comprehensive interventions that address underlying grievances.
Community leaders, activists, and security experts have voiced concerns that the misuse of national identification could add to the complexities of managing such conflicts. Anonymity and neutrality in public services, they argue, are crucial in promoting peace and easing tension in sensitive areas like Bawku.
The NIA has not yet responded to Krugu’s concerns, but local authorities and peace advocates have appealed for calm, urging residents not to view the Ghana Card as a tool for division. In the meantime, Krugu has called on both the government and local leaders to ensure that identification practices are aligned with the national commitment to unity, justice, and peace for all Ghanaians, regardless of tribe.
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