Security Development in Bawku: Mamprugu Youth Association Raises Concerns over IGP’s Approach

Post-colonial Africa has witnessed a significant rise in conflicts of various magnitudes, often stemming from disputes over land ownership, chieftaincy succession, and resource allocation. Ghana is widely perceived as an oasis of peace in the sub-region. However, beneath this image lies a persistent undercurrent of communal violence, inter-ethnic conflicts, and armed confrontations, especially in the northern part of the country.

At a press conference held to address the ongoing conflict in Bawku, Dr. Issah Imoro of the Mamprugu Youth Association expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Bawku and its surrounding areas.

“Addressing you today, I do so with profound concern for the escalating crisis in Bawku. This situation not only affects the lives and livelihoods of our people but also threatens national unity, security, and the promising mediation efforts led by His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene,” Dr. Issah stated.

He described Bawku as a historically vibrant hub of peaceful coexistence and commerce, anchored by its central market established in 1858. The market has long served as a melting pot, bringing together diverse ethnic groups and facilitating trade with neighboring Burkina Faso, Togo, and Niger.

However, according to Dr. Issah, the unilateral establishment of a parallel market by a segment of the Kusasi community—following the resurgence of violence in 2021 and citing claims of insecurity at the Mamprusi-dominated central market—has introduced serious security challenges.

“While we respect the right of every community to conduct their economic activities in peace, the creation of this parallel market has unfortunately been accompanied by acts of intimidation and coercion. Some Kusasi youth, with gross impunity, have reportedly denied access to individuals they wrongly perceive as Mamprusis or their sympathizers,” he revealed.

Dr. Issah recounted a tragic incident where a six-month-old Busanga baby was killed while her grandmother visited the Kusasi market to buy vegetables, highlighting the deep-seated hostility and the dangerous atmosphere around the area.

He went on to criticize the actions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) during a visit to Bawku following the incidents. “In what can best be described as bizarre, the IGP issued an apology to the Kusasis — the very group accused of attacking and vandalizing police and state installations. Even more troubling was his refusal to engage with the Mamprusi community, who are key stakeholders in the region,” Dr. Issah said.

He praised former President John Dramani Mahama for his clear and direct condemnation of the attacks, referring to them as “criminal vandalism of state property.” According to him, the Kusasi youth have been emboldened by the IGP’s apology, which he described as deeply unfortunate and counterproductive.

“We urge the Police and all security agencies to act on the President’s directive and ensure that all perpetrators face the full force of the law. The President’s honest assessment brings much-needed clarity to a situation too often clouded by political correctness and silence,” he emphasized.

Dr. Issah also reaffirmed the commitment of the Mamprugu Youth Association to peace, guided by the wise counsel of their traditional leader, the Nayiri. “We have always heeded the Nayiri’s call for restraint and peaceful coexistence, even in the face of provocation,” he noted.

He concluded with a strong warning: “Our allegiance to the Nayiri and the Bawku Naa, Naa Sheriga, remains unshakable. Any attempt to remove Naa Sheriga will be met with the full and unified resistance of the Mamprugu Youth.”

By Madjid Diallo || GhanaNewsOnline