Mamprugu Overlord Urges Government to End Violence and Terrorism in Bawku
The Overlord of the Mamprugu Kingdom, Na Bohaga Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, has issued a strong appeal to the government to take immediate and decisive action to address the growing insecurity in the Bawku Traditional Area of the Upper East Region. Speaking at a press conference in Nalerigu, the Nayiri expressed deep concern over the rise in armed violence, including attacks on security personnel and rampant banditry along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Poulimakom highway.
He called for a national strategy to restore Bawku’s status as a center of peace and commerce, urging the government to tackle the root causes of the conflict and the presence of armed criminals operating along the international trade route.
The Nayiri’s call came in the wake of renewed clashes between Kusasi youth and the Ghana Police Service. Tensions escalated after accusations that police were biased in favor of Kusasi traders, particularly after allegedly aiding women to trade in a Kusasi-dominated market. Violence erupted on April 9 when a Kusasi youth leader died during a protest, leading to widespread destruction, including the burning of police barracks, private homes of police officials, and attacks on police stations in Pusiga and Binduri.
Two police officers lost their lives, while two others—including an immigration officer—were injured. Even the Inspector General of Police was not spared, as his convoy came under attack, with his vehicle suffering significant damage.
In his address, the Mamprugu king extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers and called for justice. He also made several recommendations to the government, including boosting the number of security personnel and improving logistics in Bawku. He stressed that investing in security would be more beneficial than bearing the long-term costs of instability.
He also urged that security forces be empowered to operate without political interference so they can efficiently deal with the criminal elements causing chaos in the area. Moreover, the Nayiri emphasized the importance of protecting economic freedoms, especially the rights of traders—many of whom are women and children from Ghana and neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and Togo—to conduct their businesses safely.
The king called on the Mamprugu youth to remain calm and law-abiding during these tense times, urging them to trust in the processes aimed at achieving peace. He condemned reports of armed bandits imposing an economic blockade, describing it as unacceptable and urging the government to ensure free movement of people and goods along key trade routes.
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