The Legal Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Lawyer Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, has strongly condemned the recent spate of violence associated with the Bawku conflict, calling for a clear separation between criminality and legitimate chieftaincy matters.
In a forthright commentary on the matter, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) expressed grave concern about the growing tendency to cloak violent acts in the guise of traditional disputes.
According to him, recent killings, including the fatal shooting of a student at Bawku Secondary School and the murder of a Kusasi chief in the Ashanti Region, have nothing to do with chieftaincy.
“I also need to make this point clear. When you carry a gun or a machete and you go to a secondary school and discharge that firearm into a school, thereby fatally wounding a student, that is not a chieftaincy dispute. That is a crime.”
Lawyer Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe
Lawyer Tamakloe emphasised that while the chieftaincy matter is legitimately before Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, violent acts committed in the name of the conflict must not be rationalised or tolerated.
“To mount a motorbike and kill a man in his house—it’s not a chieftaincy dispute but a crime. So the people who are engaged in those conducts are criminals. Pure and simple”.
Lawyer Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe
He further absolved the two main traditional authorities from complicity in the violence, describing them as responsible leaders who would never sanction bloodshed.
Support for State’s Action
Expressing support for the state’s efforts, Lawyer Tamakloe praised the interventions of the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Coordinator, the Minister for Defence, and the Minister for the Interior, who he said are working tirelessly to restore calm to Bawku.
But he also warned of emerging trends that indicate an attempt to expand the conflict beyond its immediate zone.
“Look, it is obvious that some people are trying so hard to, as it were, export the conflict beyond that enclave into the Ashanti Region. It does appear that there are some people who are not happy that there will be peace in those areas.
“Why in God’s name would you want to go and kill in the Ashanti Region, knowing very well that is where Otumfuo is, and he’s leading the resolution of the ongoing chieftaincy dispute?”
Lawyer Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe
To Lawyer Tamakloe, such actions are not only criminal but deliberate attempts to undermine the peacebuilding efforts being led by the Asantehene. “It is a clear attempt to derail the excellent work that Nana Asantehene is doing. And that for me goes beyond mischief,” he stressed.
He assured Ghanaians that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, there will be no tolerance for actions that threaten national security.
“Our law enforcement officers—and I need to point out that nobody will be permitted under President John Dramani Mahama to attempt to create a state of insecurity. No. It’s a narrative that some people want to build. But it won’t work”.
Lawyer Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe
Tamakloe also debunked claims by NPP-aligned social media commentators who link President Mahama to the violence. “I’ve seen some mischief on social media by our friends in the NPP… Are you really interested in peace in that community?” he questioned, emphasising that Ghana’s development depends on peaceful coexistence among all its people.
Dismissing any notions that the President has vested interests in the conflict, Lawyer Tamakloe noted that Mahama remains neutral and committed only to peace.
Deep Familial Ties
He illustrated the deep familial bonds that exist between the Kusasis and Mamprusis, stating that the idea of division is artificial. “Kusasi and Mamprusi—I know and have personal friends who share both parentage from one side or the other.” He cited his own law firm, Ayine and Partners, as an example of that unity in diversity.
“We are three: myself, Dr. Ayine, and Hon. Mahama Ayariga. Mahama Ayariga’s mother is a Mamprusi, and his father is Kusasi. They are all one people. The blood that flows through them is one. In most literature, they call it the stock. That has always been the narrative. They are one people with a common destiny.”
Lawyer Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe
Lawyer Tamakloe called on well-meaning Ghanaians to play their part in ending the crisis, sharing a recent conversation with the North East Regional Minister, who reportedly had his own vehicle vandalised.
He also referenced other troubling incidents, including the killing of the Upper East National Health Insurance Authority boss and an attack on a passenger bus travelling to Bolgatanga, to underscore the insecurity facing the region. “Why are we doing this to ourselves?” he asked.
Despite these challenges, Lawyer Tamakloe expressed optimism that the conflict can be resolved under President Mahama’s leadership.
“Under the watch of President Mahama, the commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, this matter will be dealt with. And I’m very confident that with the support of God and with the support of the citizens of this country, there will be finality.”
Lawyer Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe
He concluded by urging all to support the Asantehene’s efforts to find lasting peace. “I think we must all support Nana Asantehene in all the efforts that he’s put in place to ensure that we get peace—a lasting peace—for the people within the Bawku enclave.”
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