Kumasi, Ghana- By: Evans Osei-Bonsu
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed government’s commitment to ending the protracted Bawku conflict, describing it as a threat not just to the Upper East region, but to Ghana’s national peace and cohesion.
During a courtesy call by a delegation of Mamprugu Chiefs in Accra on Thursday, President Mahama lamented the devastating transformation of Bawku from a thriving economic centre into a zone of fear and instability.
“Bawku, once a vibrant commercial hub, is now, tragically, a pale shadow of its former self. The sight of armed youth and the exodus of professionals speaks to the immense toll this conflict has taken on everyone in the area, and indeed, on our national peace,” he told the delegation.
The Bawku conflict, rooted in decades-old ethnic and chieftaincy tensions, has led to loss of lives, disrupted public services, and crippled economic activity. While several state-led interventions have attempted to restore calm, periodic violence continues to destabilize the area.
The President commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his ongoing mediation efforts, describing them as “crucial” to achieving lasting peace.
“We’ve had productive discussions, and I particularly appreciate Naa-Yiri Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga’s vital cooperation and the concessions both sides are willing to make,” he added.
In April this year, Otumfuo convened key traditional factions in Kumasi to initiate closed-door peace talks. Those engagements, though delicate, have inspired renewed optimism for a breakthrough.
Still, tensions remain high. Sporadic clashes have disrupted schools, shut down hospitals, and pushed many professionals to flee the municipality. The economic toll continues to mount, with trade routes blocked and commercial life stalled.
“Nobody is happy about this situation, and it requires our urgent and collective resolve… Government remains fully committed to ensuring safety and fostering dialogue. Peace in Bawku is not just a local issue; it is a matter of national importance,” Mahama stressed.
There is growing consensus among stakeholders that the path to lasting peace must be rooted in mutual respect, inclusive dialogue, and traditional leadership.
With support from the National Peace Council, the Chief Imam, and civil society, the government is urging all parties to fast-track negotiations and give peace a real chance.
As the mediation process unfolds, the nation watches with cautious hope that Bawku may finally reclaim its place as a beacon of commerce and coexistence in northern Ghana.
