President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace in Bawku, stating that resolving the long-standing ethnic conflict in the area remains one of his top priorities.
During a visit to the conflict-ridden town on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, President Mahama addressed the community, assuring them of his determination to achieve lasting peace and stability.
“I stated that if God granted our desire and I was elected president, bringing peace to Bawku was going to be one of my number one priorities,” President Mahama said.
Highlighting the significance of the visit, the President noted that this was his first major assignment outside Accra since being sworn in as President exactly one week ago at the Black Star Square.
Steps Toward Peace
President Mahama disclosed that his administration is taking immediate steps to address the security situation in Bawku.
He assured the residents that key appointments for the Minister of Defence, Minister of Interior, National Security Advisor, National Security Coordinator, and BNI Director would be made within the week.
These officials, he said, would prioritize peace-building efforts in Bawku.
“We want to assure you that we are putting in place the various appointments so that we can have ministers and other officials responsible for security to take charge,” he stated.
The President appealed to the people of Bawku to exercise patience and restraint, affirming his commitment to resolving the conflict.
“I am going to deal with it, and I can assure you to have trust in myself and this administration, and by the grace of God, peace is going to come back—permanent peace will come back to Bawku,” he emphasized.
The Conflict in Bawku
Bawku has been a hotspot of ethnic tensions for decades, primarily involving disputes over land ownership between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups.
These tensions have frequently escalated into violent clashes, resulting in loss of life, displacement, and the disruption of socioeconomic activities.
The most recent surge in violence, which began in October 2024, has claimed at least 41 lives, left many injured or displaced, and forced the intermittent closure of schools and businesses.
A violent confrontation in the Kpalore-Gozesi area last Friday 10th January, 2025 resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Security forces arrested four suspects and seized eight assault rifles during the operation.
The suspects are currently being held at the Upper East Regional Police Headquarters in Bolgatanga for further investigations.
A Pledge for Lasting Peace
President Mahama’s visit to Bawku follows a high-level meeting with security chiefs in Accra, underscoring his administration’s resolve to address the crisis comprehensively.
“During the campaign, I stated that if God granted our desire and I was elected president, bringing peace to Bawku was going to be one of my number one priorities,” the President reiterated.
He added, “So today is exactly one week since I was sworn in at the Black Star Square, and it’s my first major assignment outside Accra. I decided to come and assure you that we are going to work very hard to make sure that we bring peace back to Bawku.”
As the government intensifies its efforts to restore peace, the people of Bawku remain hopeful for a more secure and stable future.
The nation will be closely watching the President’s actions in the weeks and months ahead, as the promise of peace in Bawku takes center stage.
