The burning of Ayariga’s residence in Bawku has cast a dark shadow over renewed peace efforts in the conflict-prone area, following violent clashes between the police and aggrieved youth.
The incident, which occurred while Hon. Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central and Majority Leader, was outside the country on official duties, has prompted a firm but conciliatory response from the seasoned legislator.
In a public statement issued on Friday, 11th April 2025, Hon. Ayariga acknowledged the deep-rooted frustrations of the youth and the community over what he described as “the pace of the resolution of the situation in Bawku and Kusaug” as well as “the misconduct of some misguided law enforcement officers.”
Despite the personal toll of having his private residence vandalized and nearly set ablaze, Ayariga chose not to stoke further division.
Instead, he offered empathy, condolences, and a passionate appeal for unity and patience.
“The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government remains committed to its promise to ensure justice and lasting peace. My condolences to the bereaved and sympathies to the injured.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga
At the heart of Ayariga’s message is a deep belief in the legitimacy and potential of the current peace process, which is being led by the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The process also involves the respected overlords of Kusaug and Mamprugu—Zugran Naaba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II and Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga.
“In this regard, I will urge all of us to remain committed to the peace process being led by His Majesty the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga
For Ayariga, the active participation of the traditional leaders signifies a genuine opportunity to bring an enduring solution to a conflict that has claimed too many lives and disrupted far too many livelihoods.
Though his house was attacked in what appears to be a backlash against political leadership and perceived inaction, Ayariga remains unfazed and resolute.
“I want to assure the people of Bawku and Kusaug, that I represent, that I remain resolute and committed to a lasting resolution of the matter according to the well-established laws and judicial decisions of Ghana, which must ultimately be respected and enforced.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga
Bawku Conflict Demands Sincere Dialogue
The Ayariga residence in Bawku episode also highlights how fast political rivalries and ethnic tensions can ignite when misinformation spreads unchecked.
Accordingly, Hon. Ayariga condemned what he referred to as a “smear campaign on social media” being pushed by political detractors exploiting the unrest for personal electoral advantage.
“Kindly disregard the lies being told about me by political detractors and people seeking shamelessly to take advantage of the current unfortunate situation in Bawku and Kusaug to settle personal electoral political scores. It will not distract me. In the end, we will be vindicated.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga
Ayariga has maintained a consistent stance on the chieftaincy dispute in Bawku over the years.
He reiterated his unwavering position, aligning with the Kusaug youth in opposing the presence of any individual claiming chieftaincy in the area.
At the same time, he approached the sensitive issue with caution, deferring to the authority of Otumfuo and calling for calm and trust in the Asantehene’s leadership.
“But in reverence to the great Asante Stool, I leave that matter to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to resolve expeditiously,” he added, further advising law enforcement agencies to act with care.
Ayariga traced the roots of the current peace process to a political decision by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who referred the matter to the Otumfuo for resolution.
President John Dramani Mahama, upon assuming office on January 7, 2025, chose to continue the process under Otumfuo’s stewardship. Ayariga expressed his full backing.
“I support President John Dramani Mahama’s decision for very good reasons. I therefore once again appeal to everyone to exercise restraint and allow the peace process led by Otumfuo to come to its logical conclusion.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga
In a final word of caution and care, the Bawku Central MP appealed for mutual respect and civility in community-police relations to ensure lives are protected while broader peace efforts unfold. “I also appeal to everyone to maintain cordial relations with the law enforcement agencies to protect lives in the interim.”
Ayariga’s measured response to the attack on his home—rooted in empathy, law, and reverence for traditional authority—may well prove to be a calming voice in a volatile storm.
Whether that calm will hold, however, depends on the political will and communal commitment of all parties involved.
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