Joint Upper East Unions Advocate for Peace in Bawku Chieftaincy Conflict

In a united front, several prominent associations from the Upper East Region, including BONABOTO (The Association of the Citizens of Bolgatanga, Nangode, Bongo, and Tongo), the Bisa Development Association, the Buluk Bisa Club, and the United Kassena Nankana East Association, have come together to address the ongoing chieftaincy conflict in Bawku, which has persisted for nearly three years. The joint press conference was held in Accra to raise awareness and call for urgent action to restore peace in the troubled region.

The associations, represented by the National President of Bonaboto, Prof. Samuel Atintono, stressed the critical need for peace not only in Bawku but also in the broader Upper East Region. They called upon all stakeholders to work collaboratively to find a resolution to the ethnic and chieftaincy disputes that have caused extensive suffering and loss of life.

The conflict in Bawku, which reignited in 2021, has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with many reports of deaths and injuries, particularly among the youth. While official figures indicate a death toll exceeding 200 individuals, the associations believe that the actual number is much higher due to unreported incidents, as is often the case in such conflicts.

The associations questioned the motivations behind the violence and urged the youth to reconsider their involvement in the conflict and the interests they serve. They emphasized that the ongoing violence has had a devastating impact on the region’s economy, transforming the once vibrant commercial town of Bawku into a ghost town. Businesses have closed, and residents have fled, seeking refuge in nearby towns, causing additional stress on those communities.

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The loss of access to critical services, such as healthcare and education, is a growing concern. Hospitals and healthcare facilities have been forced to close or reduce their operations, leading to tragic consequences, including maternal mortality due to a lack of medical care. The associations emphasized the urgency of restoring peace to prevent further unnecessary deaths.

Furthermore, the consequences of the conflict have extended beyond Bawku to nearby towns like Bolgatanga and Navrongo, where public and private institutions are facing increasing pressure and stress. The associations expressed their commitment to working closely with security agencies to contain the conflict and ensure peace and stability in the broader Upper East Region.

The joint unions presented several appeals to stakeholders in the Bawku conflict resolution, including calls for restraint from various factions and urging security agencies to take decisive measures against troublemakers and those promoting the conflict. They also encouraged the media commission to ensure unbiased reporting and called on the government to address the conflict decisively.

The associations affirmed their commitment to being part of the solution and engaging with the youth to chart a path towards peace. They acknowledged the efforts of security agencies and all those working to restore peace in Bawku.

In conclusion, Prof. Atintono emphasized the collective interest of all parties in silencing the guns and working toward a lasting and peaceful solution for the well-being of the people in the region. The call for peace in Bawku is gaining momentum, and it seeks to address the urgent need for a resolution that not only brings peace but also promotes economic and social well-being.

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Written by Ghana Education News Editorial Staff

The Ghana Education News Editorial Staff is comprised of seasoned education consultants, policy analysts, and verified journalists dedicated to providing accurate, timely, and credible updates on the Ghanaian GES curriculum, WAEC updates, and academic leadership.