President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his commitment to restoring peace in Bawku, emphasizing that it is his top priority.
During a visit to the town on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the President expressed his gratitude to residents for their support in the recent elections and reaffirmed his campaign promise to resolve the ongoing conflict in the area.
Speaking to the people of Bawku, President Mahama highlighted the significance of his visit as his first major engagement outside Accra since his inauguration, underscoring the importance of peace in Bawku to his administration.
“God granted our heart’s desire, and I was elected. So, I have come to say thank you for your support. During the campaign, I promised that if I was elected, bringing peace to Bawku would be my number one priority,” he said. “One week after my swearing-in, my first major task outside Accra is to assure you that we are working hard to restore peace in Bawku.”
The Bawku conflict began in November 2021, following attempts to install a parallel chief to the Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II. The violence that ensued led to the loss of many lives and the destruction of property valued in the millions of Ghana Cedis.
In 2022, the installation of a parallel chief, Alhaji Seidu Abagre, by the Nayiri in Nalerigu further fueled tensions, exacerbating the conflict in both Bawku and the North-East Region. The violence subsided after an arrest warrant was issued for Seidu Abagre, forcing him into exile.
However, the situation took a turn in November 2024 when the arrest warrant was overturned by a High Court in Kumasi, allowing Seidu Abagre’s return to Bawku. His return reignited the conflict, which has since claimed the lives of at least 47 people, including women and children.
Currently, a dawn-to-dusk curfew is in place in Bawku, but the town remains volatile as efforts continue to address the underlying issues and restore peace.
