EC ready to conduct elections in Bawku despite unrest

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has assured the public of its readiness to conduct elections in the Bawku Central constituency and its surrounding areas despite ongoing security challenges.

This reassurance comes amid concerns from some Ghanaians who feared that residents might be unable to vote in the December 7, 2024, elections due to the protracted conflict in the region.

Speaking to Citi News, William Obeng Adarkwa, the Upper East Regional Director of the EC, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a smooth electoral process. He noted that the EC is working closely with security agencies to address the situation.

“As a commission, we are prepared. As you know, the issue here in Bawku is purely a security matter, so when it comes to the general security for a particular place or community, it is the Ghana Police Service who is in charge. We are liaising with them every day and they are updating us. We are going ahead to train our officials and give them the necessary skills to conduct the elections,” he stated.

He also appealed to residents to maintain peace to facilitate the electoral process. “We appeal to the people themselves to create an atmosphere which is so peaceful so that we can have our officials and material at various designated places to conduct the elections as mandated by the constitution,” Adarkwa added.

The security situation in Bawku deteriorated following the return of Seidu Abagre, a rival chief installed by the Nayiri. Abagre, who had been in exile since February 2023 due to an arrest warrant over his contested installation, returned to Bawku on October 26 after a High Court in Kumasi quashed the warrant on October 17, 2024.

His return reignited the long-standing chieftaincy dispute, sparking violent clashes that have claimed at least two lives and left several others injured. The unrest has severely disrupted essential services in the area. Schools have closed as teachers and students flee for safety, while the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have suspended operations, leaving residents without regular access to water and electricity.

To restore order, authorities have imposed a 6 am to 6 pm curfew in Bawku, strictly enforced by security personnel. The situation remains tense as the community braces for possible further violence.

Source: Dailymailgh