Concerned Citizens of Binduri Condemn Regional Minister’s Silence on Violence in Gumyoko, Binduri District
Binduri, Upper East Region – May 26, 2025
A group of concerned residents in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what they describe as the continuous silence and inaction of the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, regarding escalating violence and insecurity in the area, particularly in the Gumyoko community.
The statement, addressed to the Minister and copied to key institutions including the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Defence, accuses Hon. Atanga of showing blatant partiality and neglect toward the plight of innocent civilians who have fallen victim to repeated violent attacks allegedly carried out by Kusasi bandits.
Escalating Violence Ignored
According to the group, since taking office, the Minister has failed to promote transparency, fairness, or neutrality in dealing with the ongoing conflict in Bawku and its surrounding districts. They cite multiple cases of gruesome murders, arson, and destruction of property in Gumyoko and wider Binduri that have reportedly been ignored by the Minister and Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
“Since assuming office, you have not promoted transparency and fairness regarding the Bawku issue,” the statement read. “A lot has happened in Binduri, particularly in Gumyoko. Kusasi bandits have been killing innocent people daily and burning homes. You have not visited the area nor condemned those actions. The people of Binduri deserve safety and protection from your office.”
The group alleges that the violence is targeted and strategic, stating that even members of the Kusasi community have fallen victim to intra-ethnic killings in what they claim is an attempt to deflect blame or manipulate public opinion.
Claims of Selective Response and Double Standards
The residents expressed outrage over what they perceive as selective response and inconsistency in how the Regional Minister addresses security concerns. They pointed out that despite a series of brutal attacks on members of the Mamprusi community — including murders, house burnings, and road ambushes — the Minister remained silent and failed to deploy additional security forces or comment publicly.
“You remain silent when Kusasi bandits attacked Mamprusis in Gumyoko, killing old men and young men. You remain silent when Kusasi bandits attacked Mamprusis in Binduri at a drinking spot, killing and injuring others. You remain silent when a Mamprusi man was shot and burned to ashes with his motorcycle. And you remained silent when more than 15 houses belonging to Mamprusis were burned down in Gumyoko,” the group stated.
They contrasted this with the Minister’s swift response following the murder of the Bongo National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Director, who was reportedly attacked and burned in a car. The group alleges that security reinforcements were promptly deployed, and multiple road checkpoints were established along the N11 highway following that incident.
“Suddenly, the murder of the Bongo NHIA Director — who was your own Kusasi brother — prompted you to classify the incident as a ‘targeted attack’ and increase security presence. But when two police officers were similarly shot and killed, the same REGSEC termed it a ‘robbery’. Why the double standard?”
Security Lapses on Major Highways
The group also criticized the failure of the Regional Minister to address security gaps along the N11 and N10 highways, which are critical transportation corridors in northern Ghana. According to the group, Mamprusi-owned vehicles have been routinely ambushed along these roads — even under military escort — yet REGSEC has failed to act decisively.
“As Chairman of REGSEC, you have not taken steps to increase security checkpoints or intensify patrols on the N11 international highway, despite frequent attacks on Mamprusi travelers. The same road that is now heavily patrolled following the death of one person from your ethnic group.”
They issued a stern warning, stating that if such attacks persist without intervention, they may be compelled to respond in kind: “We wish to state clearly that we do not want to hear a word from you if we begin to take matters into our own hands and defend ourselves, even if that means joining the same banditry on the N11 and N10 highways.”
Allegations of Bias and Mismanagement
The statement further accused Hon. Atanga of allowing himself to be misled and manipulated by certain elements within the regional security setup. Specifically, they alleged that he has been misinformed by the Regional Police Commander and other biased actors, leading to poor decision-making and worsening conflict management.
“As the Chairman of REGSEC, you have allowed yourself to be misguided and misinformed. But note this clearly — we will render both you and the Police Commander ineffective when it comes to conflict management if this one-sided approach continues,” the group warned.
Call for Neutrality and Justice
In their closing remarks, the residents of Binduri called for the Minister to take a neutral and proactive stance in handling the volatile situation in the district. They emphasized the need for equitable protection for all ethnic groups and urged the government to re-evaluate its conflict response strategies.
“We urge you to take a neutral stand and advocate for the rights and safety of all people in the constituency. This is your duty as a public servant and the representative of the President in the region. The people of Binduri deserve better.”
Conclusion
As tension continues to simmer in the Binduri and Bawku areas, this statement from concerned residents signals growing frustration with the government’s handling of the conflict. Many believe that only a fair, transparent, and neutral approach to security can restore peace and trust among the people of the Upper East Region.
For now, all eyes remain on the Regional Minister and REGSEC as calls intensify for urgent and impartial action to prevent further loss of life and property.
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