KEY POINTS
- Mamprugu king calls for government action to end violence in Bawku.
- The conflict between Kusasi youth and police has escalated, leading to deaths.
- The king urged the government to deploy more security personnel and provide support.
The King of Mamprugu, Na Bohaga Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, has called on the government to take decisive and immediate measures to end all forms of armed violence and protect his people in the Bawku Traditional Area of the Upper East region.
Calls for peace amid growing instability in Bawku
The Nayiri expressed concern over reports of violence targeting members of the state security services. He also raised concerns about banditry along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Poulimakom highways.
At a well-attended press conference in Nalerigu, the Mamprugu overlord urged the government to “intensify national efforts to restore Bawku to its rightful state as a hub of commerce and harmony.” He also urged the government to confront the destabilising activities of bandits along the international corridor.
The Nayiri’s statement came in the wake of renewed and relentless tension between Kusasi youth and personnel of the Ghana Police Service in the Bawku traditional area. Two police officers have since died, and two others, including an immigration officer, have been injured following the renewed tension.
The violence reportedly started after Kusasis accused the police of bias. The police administration allegedly aided women to trade in a Kusasi market.
Violence erupts after Kusasi youth protest police bias
According to MyJoyOnline, the violence intensified on April 9 when a man, regarded as a Kusasi youth leader, died during a protest. “The angry Kusasi youth in Bawku went on a rampage,” witnesses reported, “leading to the burning of police barracks and the private residences of the Bawku Divisional Police Commander and a CID operative.” The rampaging youth also “launched violent attacks against police stations in Pusiga and Binduri.”
During a reconciliatory visit to Bawku, the Inspector General of Police became a target when his vehicle was “extensively damaged by armed bandits.”
Addressing journalists at his palace, the Mamprugu overlord, Nabwaga Abdullahi Mahami Syariga, offered his condolences to the families of the deceased police officers. He also called for justice for their killings.
Recommendations for restoring law and order in Bawku
In light of the increased instability in the Bawku traditional area, the Mamprugu overlord made recommendations to the government. He said, “Increase security personnel and logistics. Address concerns raised by the police and military command in Bawku regarding insufficient manpower and logistics.”
He emphasised, “Though costly, this measure is far more prudent than bearing the price of insecurity.”
The Nayiri also urged the government to ensure that no trader, especially women and children, is hindered from conducting business in their jewellery markets. He also urged the youth of Mamprugu to remain calm and allow efforts to work toward peace and harmony in Bawku.
The Nayiri condemned reports of an economic embargo imposed by armed bandits. He urged the government to “ensure free movement of goods and services along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Poulimakom highways.”
