The Bawku conflict, an enduring and complex clash in Ghana’s Upper East Region, centers around longstanding ethnic, chieftaincy, and political tensions.
Rooted in historical grievances between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups, the conflict has repeatedly flared up, affecting the peace and development of Bawku and its surrounding areas.
Disputes over chieftain rights, land ownership, and political representation have deepened divisions, often leading to violence and instability.
Efforts by the government and local leaders to mediate have occasionally resulted in temporary peace, but underlying issues persist, complicating resolution attempts.
This conflict has had widespread socio-economic impacts, disrupting lives, commerce, education, and access to essential services, leaving the region in need of sustained peace-building efforts.
Understanding the historical, cultural, and political dimensions of the Bawku conflict is essential to grasp its ongoing challenges and the pathways toward lasting peace.
The Secretary of the Mamprusi Youth Association in Bawku, Abdul Majeed Bagura has addressed the escalating violence and insecurity affecting communities in the region.
He emphasized that Mamprusi communities are not involved in banditry activities, stressing that attacks are often carried out outside Mamprusi jurisdictions by other groups.
Mamprusi Youth Association’s Stance on Militia Allegations
“As a Mamprusi and as the President of the Mamprusi Youth Association, I can confidently tell you that there’s none, there’s no any militia group associated with Mamprusi’s. But that I cannot speak for our other Kusasi brothers.’’
Abdul Majeed Bagura Secretary of the Mamprusi Youth Association in Bawku
Majeed Bagura clarified that while he cannot speak for other ethnic groups, he is confident that Mamprusi communities are not contributing to the violence in Bawku.
He also noted that violent incidents occur primarily outside Mamprusi areas, suggesting that Mamprusi communities have not engaged in or initiated the recent attacks.
Targeted Attacks Against Mamprusi Supporters
He pointed to recent incidents where individuals associated with Mamprusi communities have been targeted along certain routes, including the Bolga-Bawku Road and Bawku Prumako Road.
Majeed Bagura cited the case of a local driver who was shot, stating that these incidents have increased fear and insecurity among Mamprusi residents.
“They are the targets, the Mamprusis that are being targeted and killed outside of Bawku. And those that are being maim are either allies of Mamprusi’s or sympathizers of Mamprusi’s or they are those that are leaving with the Mamprusi’s. Any other person [who] lives in the Mamprusi-dominated area, whether you are a Frafra or you are an Asanti, they consider you as an ally of Mamprusi, and you become a target.”
We are not seeing an end to it because there [are] no any robust security measures that have been put in place to curtail these attacks. We have market women in Bawku [who] want to go out to Bolga to do their businesses. It’s very difficult for them to go because the road is not safe. It’s insecure for them.”
Abdul Majeed Bagura Secretary of the Mamprusi Youth Association in Bawku
Request for Security Escort System
Majeed Bagura stressed that local market women have been particularly affected, as they are unable to travel safely to conduct business.
“That is why we decided to write to petition REGSEC asking for a settled security escort system so that these women can go in and out of Bawku safely without being hurt.’’
Abdul Majeed Bagura Secretary of the Mamprusi Youth Association in Bawku
He emphasized the importance of such a system to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of residents.
Majeed Bagura reinforced the strength of the Mamprusi presence in Bawku, asserting that the community is determined to stay despite the ongoing violence and insecurity.
“It is far away from anybody that thinks that Mamprusi [is] being driven out of Bawku. It will never happen, and there’s no day that such a thing can ever happen.’’
Abdul Majeed Bagura Secretary of the Mamprusi Youth Association in Bawku
A Plea for Peace and Security
Majeed Bagura’s statement underscores the urgent need for effective security measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of Bawku’s residents.
His remarks reflect the Mamprusi Youth Association’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and its frustration with the lack of security enforcement in the region.
By calling for a structured security escort system, Majeed Bagura aims to alleviate the fears of market women, traders, and other residents whose livelihoods depend on safe access to roads and markets.
His plea to local authorities highlights the broader challenge of maintaining peace and security in Bawku amid ethnic tensions and violent incidents.
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