The District Director of the Bongo National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mohammed Seidu Akugri, has been brutally killed by unknown assailants in a shocking attack that signals a dangerous escalation in the Bawku conflict.
Mr. Akugri was ambushed near Nagode, a community close to Bolgatanga, where his attackers killed him and set his body ablaze before fleeing the scene.
The gruesome nature of the killing has sent shockwaves through the region, raising fears of further violence.
While the Bawku conflict has primarily been rooted in ethnic and chieftaincy disputes, this attack introduces a disturbing new trend of targeted killings of public officials.
In response, the Upper East Regional Police Command has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
The murder raises concerns about the safety of workers and other essential service providers in conflict zones and the potential for the Bawku crisis to spill over into neighbouring districts.
The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly condemned the killing of Mohammed Seidu Akugri, the Bongo District Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), describing it as both “gruesome” and “dastardly.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 20, Mr. Ayariga expressed his deep condolences to the family of the deceased, whom he described as a “comrade.”
He called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“I urge all to remain calm and let’s focus on the ongoing efforts of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to bring a lasting solution to the Bawku situation,” the statement read.
Mr. Ayariga also commended the youth of Bawku for showing restraint in recent times and reaffirmed their commitment to peace.
He emphasized that meaningful progress is being made toward restoring stability in the area and cautioned that no one should be allowed to derail the peace process.
