A resurgence of violence has been reported in Bawku, a municipality long marred by deep-seated chieftaincy disputes, in the wake of the recent killing of a Kusasi traditional leader in Kumasi. The incident, widely viewed as a catalyst, has reportedly triggered retaliatory attacks, aggravating tensions in the conflict-prone area.
Two additional deaths have since occurred in Kumasi under circumstances believed to be linked to the ongoing enmity, prompting renewed instability in Bawku.
Among the most distressing developments was the fatal shooting of a student from Bawku Senior High School on Saturday night. Preliminary accounts suggest that unidentified perpetrators breached the school’s perimeter, forcibly removed the student from his dormitory, and executed the attack. The victim, said to belong to the Mossi ethnic group, is suspected to have been misidentified as a sympathiser of one of the chieftaincy factions.
In a related incident that same night, the private residence of Hon. Mahama Ayariga—Member of Parliament for Bawku and Majority Leader in Parliament—was reportedly vandalised and set ablaze. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Residents have described an atmosphere of heightened fear, with multiple reports of sustained gunfire echoing through various parts of the municipality over consecutive nights. Many have chosen to remain indoors as a precautionary measure.
In response to the worsening security situation, a press statement has been released from the Presidency. The statement, signed by the Spokesperson to the President hinted that the Government of Ghana is steeping up its approach from peacekeeping to peace enforcement in Bawku.
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu further indicated that the Ghana Armed Forces have been deployed to maintain law and order. The Minister for Government Communications in the statement, urged all parties to refrain from violence and support the peace process.
