In the ongoing Bawku conflict, tensions continue to escalate as the Kusaasi Youth Movement (KYM) responds firmly to recent claims made by the Mamprugu Youth Association (MAYA).
The Bawku conflict has remained one of Ghana’s most volatile ethnic and political flashpoints, drawing national attention amid rising tensions between the Kusaasi and Mamprusi communities.
The latest war of words was triggered after former President John Dramani Mahama’s tour of Nalerigu in the North East Region.
The KYM, in a strongly worded statement, accused MAYA of issuing a press release that they described as “not only misleading but a calculated attempt to distort facts, shift blame, and incite the youth for further divisions in an already volatile situation.”
Addressing what they called deliberate misrepresentations, the Kusaasi Youth argued that if the Mamprusi community needs protection to enter Bawku—a town they claim as their own—this exposes the weakness of their ownership claim. “Perhaps, they own Bawku by word of mouth, not in reality.”
The statement specifically countered MAYA’s claim that 27 trucks remained parked in Bolgatanga due to an absence of arrangements for safe escorts to Bawku.
The Kusaasi Youth dismissed this as mere propaganda, insisting that both parties, in collaboration with security agencies, had agreed on escorting fewer trucks at a time while conducting thorough security checks.
“Vehicle escort is lawful, and nobody can oppose it. However, citizens have the right to oppose if it is turning out to be a conduit for arms smuggling into a war zone.
“It was a confidence-building measure that searches must be done, not based on bias or ill-faith by the security apparatus. This is aimed at ensuring that no party conceals any offensive weapons or substances into Bawku under the guise of trade.”
Kusaasi Youth Movement (KYM)
The KYM explained that conducting searches was intended to build confidence, ensuring they are carried out impartially and in good faith by the security forces.
They clarified that limiting vehicle escorts to three at a time enables security personnel to effectively monitor and control any potential threats during transport.
According to them, the Mamprusi’s refusal to comply with searches upon arrival in Bawku has resulted in some vehicles being impounded at the Bawku Divisional Police Station.
Additionally, the Kusaasi Youth dismissed accusations that their vehicles are exempt from inspection, insisting these claims are entirely unfounded.
They emphasized that they were the first to advocate for vehicle searches but stressed that inspections must be conducted jointly and transparently to prevent any form of bias.
However, they vehemently opposed any move to shift security checks to Bolgatanga, arguing that it would compromise security and create room for breaches and mistrust.
Accordingly, they criticized the Mamprusi side for now questioning the neutrality of security agencies after initially demanding joint inspections. “Their current opposition exposes a pattern of double standards.”
In a sharp rebuke, the KYM recalled a violent Mamprusi protest against vehicle searches that resulted in the death of a truck driver in Bawku. They used this incident to point out who poses the true threat to peace.
Kusaasi Youth Challenge Mahama Over Bawku Conflict
Halfway through the statement, the KYM also addressed criticisms directed at President Mahama by the Mamprusi youth, who accused him of trivializing the Bawku conflict and blamed state security forces for failing to maintain law and order.
The Kusaasi Youth described these accusations as deeply ironic, asserting that ongoing unrest stems from Mamprusi defiance of legal rulings and peace agreements.
They accused the Mamprusi of illegally enskinning a retired teacher as chief of Bawku, thereby violating Ghana’s Constitution and exacerbating tensions.
“How can your misbehavior that landed us in this situation be the president’s problem?” the KYM questioned, reminding the Mamprusi that political support previously enjoyed in Kusaug territory was contingent upon respect for the rule of law.
“Unfortunately, Mr. President, your silence and recent posturing embolden impunity. We cannot tell whether you subtly resubmitted this assignment to Ashantehene to evade your legal responsibility.
“Even though we absolutely trust the Asantehene-led mediation, in this conflict, the components are both legal and traditional. Mr. President, why are you loudly mute on the legal component of the conflict?”
Kusaasi Youth Movement (KYM)
Accordingly, the KYM cautioned that true and lasting peace in Bawku will remain elusive unless Ghana’s laws are enforced uniformly for all parties.
They stressed that justice must be upheld as the bedrock of peace and that national leadership will ultimately be evaluated by its commitment to this principle.
Narrowing down to the issue of security, the KYM voiced strong opposition to any proposals aimed at lifting the curfew in Walewale, arguing that such a move would likely inflame tensions rather than ease them.
Instead, they urged that the curfew be extended to cover Gambaga and Nalerigu, pointing to the persistent threats, violence, and fatalities that Kusaasis reportedly face in those communities.
They noted that attacks and unrest along the Tamale-Walewale-Bolgatanga-Nangodi trunk road have already resulted in extensive damage and numerous casualties—incidents they argue are in some cases even more severe than those seen in Bawku.
The statement also criticized what they called the President’s “continuous veiled endorsement of the Nalerigu Chief’s role in the Bawku conflict.”
According to the KYM, this individual openly violated Ghana’s Constitution by enskinning a Mamprusi chief in a sovereign jurisdiction, fueling violence that has claimed nearly 500 lives since 2021.
The KYM lamented that while this individual should face trial for crimes against humanity, he continues to receive state honors and privileges.
They argued that “in any serious and functioning democracy, such a person, along with his accomplices like the fugitive Seidu Abagre, should by this time be facing trial.”
However, the KYM also commended the Bawku Naba, Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, for his leniency and cooperation, as well as the Asantehene for his challenging mediation role.
In conclusion, the Kusaasi Youth Movement emphasized their dedication to peace while standing strong in the defense of their heritage.
They called on all Kusaasis to stay calm, resolute, and united, urging them not to surrender their heritage to outsiders or permit misinformation to influence public policy.
They demanded justice, peace, and the strict application of the rule of law, stating, “Let the truth guide Ghana, and let the law protect its people.”
Meanwhile, the Bawku conflict remains a complex and sensitive issue rooted in historical, ethnic, and political tensions.
Achieving lasting peace will require continued dialogue, mutual understanding, and sustained efforts from all stakeholders involved.
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