Ghana’s Bawku chieftaincy dispute: Supporters urge focus on legal solutions

KEY POINTS

• Ghana’s Bawku chieftaincy dispute reignites as accusations.
• Supporters advocate judicial solutions to prevent the conflict from degenerating.
• Mamprusi leaders advocate Kusasi use legal channels to address the dispute.

Bawumia, the Ghanaian Vice President, faces increasing pressure due to the Bawku chieftaincy dispute. His supporters dismiss allegations of his involvement in the conflict as baseless and rooted in his Mamprusi heritage.

The Mamprusi and Kusasi communities have been engaged in a long-standing feud over traditional leadership in Bawku, resulting in mutual accusations. Some Kusasi leaders claim Bawumia aligns himself with the Mamprusi faction because of his ethnic background.

Court rulings and government involvement

Political observers and supporters argue that Bawumia’s refusal to intervene in chieftaincy matters aligns with Ghana’s policy against political involvement.

The chieftaincy conflict predates the NUMs, escalating in 2023 when the Mamprusi appointed Bawku Naa Alhaji Seidu Abagre Sheriga, who was arrested following a High Court warrant. The Court of Appeal in Tamale reversed the illegal order against Sheriga, allowing him to resume his role.

Supporters of the Vice President opposed this legal process, claiming that political figures or ethnic affiliations should not take center stage.

“This situation is a matter for the courts and traditional councils, not politicians,” said Mustapha Ahmed, a legal representative for the Mamprusi community. “Bawumia should not be associated with the matter simply because of his background.”

Calls for judicial solutions

Observers and political analysts consider the judiciary and traditional governance institutions as the key to resolving Ghana’s chieftaincy disputes, rather than political intervention.

This approach would help shift the focus away from ethnic blame and toward finding a constructive solution. “Bawumia’s ethnic background should not overshadow the government’s commitment to neutrality,” said Kwame Mensah, an Accra-based political analyst. “The courts and traditional councils can only resolve this dispute, as Ghanaian law and tradition have long prescribed.”

Supporters contend that public accusations jeopardize community cohesion and draw innocent parties into rancor. They insist that judicial remedies provide the most effective route to lasting peace.