Kusaug Women Speak Out: A Call for Justice in Bawku
Bawku, a land known for its resilience and cultural richness, has once again witnessed the unwavering spirit of its women. On November 25, 2024, the Kusaug Women for Justice (KWJ) gathered at the Bawku Traditional Council to voice their grievances and aspirations for peace, justice, and respect. Their message was both emotional and resolute, as they stood united under the leadership of their revered overlord, Zug-Raan, Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II.
With heartfelt gratitude, the women began by praising their chief for his wisdom and unwavering commitment to peace. His leadership, they said, is a beacon of hope, especially for women who have borne the brunt of the protracted conflict. They also expressed appreciation to the media for their swift response in addressing community concerns, particularly those affecting women.
The gathering was not just about gratitude but also about setting the record straight. Recently, a Mamprusi-aligned women's group alleged harassment and exclusion by Kusasis in the Azoka Market, commonly known as “Aloag Kim Nor.” The Kusaug Women firmly rejected these claims, describing them as fabrications meant to tarnish the reputation of Kusasis. They pointed out that the market is a melting pot of diverse tribes, including Dagombas, Bisas, Moshies, Ashantis, Hausas, and Fulanis, all of whom coexist peacefully under Kusasi hospitality. They emphasized that Kusasis are a peace-loving people who welcome all but will not tolerate attempts to undermine their dignity and authority.
The women did not mince words about their decision to sever commercial ties with Mamprusi settlers. They explained that this choice was not born out of malice but a necessity to preserve their pride and autonomy. They questioned the presence of security escorts accompanying Mamprusi traders to Kusasi markets, calling it an unwelcome intrusion. For now, they declared, “Kusasis will not engage with those who refuse to acknowledge our rightful ownership of this land and our traditional leadership.”
Their words grew heavier as they recounted the hardships endured under what they described as a biased government. The women criticized the administration, led by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for turning a blind eye to their plight. They lamented the curfews, bans on motorbike use, and military actions that have left their husbands, brothers, and children beaten, oppressed, and even killed. “Is this the price of democracy?” they asked, their voices trembling with pain and frustration.
For these women, the conflict in Bawku is not just a political struggle but a deeply personal one. They have watched their homes turn into battlegrounds, their loved ones fall, and their livelihoods crumble. Yet, they remain steadfast. Their message to the Mamprusi settlers was unambiguous: reconciliation will only come when the contested Mamprusi Chief is removed, and the Mamprusi community humbles itself before the Zug-Raan to seek forgiveness for the needless conflict.
As the conference drew to a close, the women reaffirmed their commitment to defending their land and heritage. “We have suffered enough,” they declared, their voices echoing through the hall. They vowed to fight for justice, not with weapons but with unwavering resolve and unity.
In their plea, one could sense the heartache of mothers, wives, and daughters who long for a future where their children can thrive in peace. Their message was not just a cry for justice but a call to all who value humanity to stand with them in their quest for dignity and truth.
As they dispersed, the words of their leaders lingered: “God bless you.” It was a simple prayer, yet profoundly symbolic—a reminder that even in their darkest hours, the women of Kusaug have not lost hope. They carry within them the strength of a people who will never stop fighting for what is rightfully theirs.
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