Bawku Conflict: Tracing the Roots, Understanding the Crisis, and the Way Forward

At the heart of the Bawku conflict lies a longstanding chieftaincy dispute between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups. The Mamprusis maintain that the Bawku skin belongs to their lineage, citing traditional rights and historical ties. On the other hand, the Kusasis, who constitute the demographic majority in the area, argue for their right to the throne based on historical residence and political recognition during the First Republic. This tug-of-war has sparked violent confrontations dating as far back as 1957, periodically destabilizing the region.

Since November 2021, the conflict has escalated, leading to the tragic loss of over 300 lives and the displacement of countless families. Public institutions and workers, especially in healthcare and education, have fled the area, creating a humanitarian and developmental vacuum.

The situation worsened in April 2025 with the assassination of two police officers in Binduri and an attempted attack on the Inspector General of Police. These brazen attacks on state security personnel have raised alarm about the growing sophistication and boldness of armed groups operating in the region.

Security analyst Professor Kwesi Aning has described the Bawku unrest as no longer a local tribal issue but a full-blown national security crisis. According to him, organized crime networks are now embedded in the conflict, exploiting the chaos to facilitate arms trafficking, smuggling, and other illicit operations.

This new dimension of the conflict suggests that military interventions alone are insufficient. A more strategic, national approach is needed to neutralize these criminal networks while restoring law and order.

In a hopeful turn, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is resuming peace talks from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. His revered position and neutrality make him a key figure in brokering peace between the feuding factions. The upcoming sessions are seen as a critical opportunity for lasting dialogue, reconciliation, and resolution.

Beyond the headlines and body counts, the conflict has inflicted untold socioeconomic hardship on the people of Bawku. Schools remain closed, hospitals operate with limited staff, and major infrastructure projects like the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road have stalled. While the Upper East Regional Minister insists that work can proceed with better security arrangements, the reality on the ground paints a more dire picture.

Bawku’s pain is Ghana’s problem. What started as an ethnic chieftaincy dispute has now evolved into a complex crisis with national and even cross-border implications. It is time for Ghana to rise above politics, tribal lines, and temporary ceasefires—and commit to a permanent solution that restores peace, justice, and prosperity to Bawku.