An uneasy calm is holding in Bawku after two days of renewed unrest in the town. During this period, violent confrontations between Kusasi youth and police resulted in gunfire, killings, multiple injuries, and significant property damage.
The private residence of the Bawku Divisional Police Commander, ACP Adamu Seidu, as well as the homes of other officers, were set ablaze.
Additionally, the private residence of the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, was also torched, alongside the property of the MP for Pusiga, Laadi Ayamba.
Otumfuo Peace Process
These incidents occur as Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II works to resolve the longstanding chieftaincy dispute between the Kusasis and Mamprusis. For the past month, since the initiation of his mediation efforts, Bawku had experienced a period of peace—up until the recent disturbances.
Cause of Disturbances
The clashes began when Kusasi individuals tried to prevent Mamprusi women from accessing a new market in town.
Security personnel present attempted to assist the Mamprusi women in conducting their trade, which angered the Kusasis and sparked an attack on the police. During the exchange of gunfire, a Kusasi man was killed.
The Kusasi youth held MP Mahama Ayariga accountable for allegedly directing the police to assist the Mamprusi women in trading at the new market.
In response to the violence, security has been tightened, and a curfew has been reimposed in the town from 6 PM to 6 AM.
Refusal to Follow Orders
David Adobila, the spokesperson for the Bawku Naba, explained that the Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago had ordered that no Mamprusi individual enter the market until the Asantehene resolves the Bawku crisis. “However, this order was not followed, which led to the conflict. It’s not that the Kusasis don’t want the police involved; they became enraged when the police killed Fuseini,”
he added. “The Bawku Naba is working to calm the youth so that peace can return.”
Mistrust Prevails
Upper East Regional Minister Akamugri Atanga Donatus noted that security forces are actively working to stabilize the situation and restore peace. “The current unrest stems from mistrust among the Kusasi youth. The main market has been closed due to the conflict, prompting the Kusasis to establish their own market, which they do not want Mamprusi women to visit.”
