The Ghanaian government has ramped up military presence in the country’s northeastern Bawku region following a resurgence of violence tied to the protracted chieftaincy dispute between the Mamprusi and Kusaasi ethnic groups. Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed on Sunday that the deployment aims to stabilize the area after recent deadly attacks.
The Bawku chieftaincy conflict, one of Ghana’s longest-running ethnic flashpoints, has persisted for decades. At its core is a dispute over the rightful ethnic group to appoint a chief for the area. Although mediation efforts led by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and one of Ghana’s most respected traditional leaders, had reportedly brought the conflict close to resolution, a sudden flare-up in violence has reignited tensions.
Ofosu cited the killing of a Kusaasi chief and three high school students by armed assailants who stormed their campuses last week as a catalyst for the recent intervention. These events, he said, “necessitated drastic actions” to safeguard lives and restore order in the region, which lies close to Ghana’s border with Burkina Faso.
While Ofosu did not disclose the number of soldiers deployed, he noted that military presence had already existed in the area. The government has opted not to release specific figures for security reasons. The deployment comes alongside a government-imposed curfew from 1400 GMT to 0600 GMT, effective “until further notice.”
The curfew is expected to help security personnel manage the volatile situation and ensure the safe evacuation of students from affected schools. Local reports suggest many families have begun relocating their children for safety, fearing further attacks.
Security analysts warn that unless the chieftaincy dispute is resolved conclusively, military intervention may only provide temporary relief. The government has reiterated its commitment to a long-term peace-building process, with support from traditional authorities and civil society.
As tensions simmer, citizens and local leaders are urging both factions to embrace dialogue and support efforts to achieve a lasting resolution for the sake of peace and development in Bawku.
