Bawku Chieftancy claims 15 lives

According to Agbambilla Ziyerley Maxwell, Bawku Naab’s lawyer, the Bawku conflict in the northeastern region has escalated, resulting in the death of at least 15 people.

On Monday, October 28, 2024, on Joy News, Agbambilla said: “From my information, we have currently lost at least 15 people in Bawku and some are being slaughtered in Walewale.”

He added that the Attorney General should have quickly issued another arrest warrant for Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who had been in exile since he took over as rival chief in February 2023, but returned to Bawku after the arrest warrant was quashed by the Kumasi High Court on October 17, 2024.

“We were told that the Attorney General did not even respond so the Court had no option but to quash his (Alhaji Seidu Abagre) arrest warrant.”

He explained that “the Attorney General could have simply issued another arrest warrant but he did not do so,” he stressed and blamed the Attorney General for the incorrect conduct that led to the return of Alhaji Seidu.

Agbambilla said Bawku Naaba is not happy with the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre.

Fresh stuff

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, a fresh attack took place when some attackers set up roadblocks in both Gbimsi and Walewale, stopping vehicles to identify potential targets.

At least eight people died in the gruesome incident.

This increase in violence stems from a decades-long dispute between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups over chieftaincy rights and influence.

Historical roots of the conflict

The origins of the conflict date back to 1931, when the Kusasi were placed under the rule of Mamprusi Bawku Naba.

However, the Kusasi later felt imposed upon by the colonial administration and sought independence, leading to the appointment of their own Bawku Naba in 1957.

This dual claim to the throne fueled sporadic acts of violence.

Latest events

On October 27, 2024, attackers set up roadblocks in Gbimsi and Walewale, targeting specific groups, resulting in the death of eight people.

The return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a rival chief appointed to office in February 2023, has heightened tensions. His arrest warrant was quashed by the Kumasi High Court on October 17, 2024, prompting criticism from Agbambilli who blamed the Attorney General for not issuing another warrant.

He calls for peace

Despite the efforts of the National Peace Council and security forces, the conflict continues.
Experts support dialogue, emphasizing that violence provides only temporary respite, not lasting peace.

President Nana Akufo-Addo acknowledged the complex nature of the conflict and its potential appeal to extremist groups.

Humanitarian impact

The prolonged violence has transformed Bawku into a ghost town, paralyzing economic activities and displacing residents.
Schools and hospitals remain closed, worsening living conditions.

The conflict highlights the urgent need for effective conflict resolution and peacebuilding initiatives.

BY Daniel Bampoe