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Introduction
Bawku is burning again. What began as colonial-era tensions has today evolved into one of Ghana’s most entrenched ethnic conflicts. From gun battles in the streets to legal battles in courtrooms, the conflict between the Kusasis and Mamprusis continues to spiral, fuelled by decades of unresolved grievances, political conflicts, and a dangerous surge in illegal arms. The recent violent clashes, which led to deaths, property destruction, and renewed curfews, have once again brought to light the need for mediation to end the conflict. In this explainer, DUBAWA breaks down what led to the recent clashes in April, identifies the key players, and explains how key stakeholders are working to find a lasting solution to the matter.
Social media rants
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, reports emerged of violent clashes in Bawku, located in the Upper East Region, resulting in the burning of several houses and other damage. The incident quickly gained attention on social media, with users sharing updates and commentary. A Facebook user said,
“Breaking News, Kusasi’s Youth in the Bawku this afternoon killed a police officer and burnt down a police vehicle, currently they are about to burn down the police station. This follows their press conference, in which they stated that John Mahama and the NDC deceived them with promises of votes and, after the election, turned their back on Kusasi’s demands. The report, however, saw many social media posts on the issue.
Online conversations about the Bawku conflict saw a significant spike from April 9, following the outbreak of the violence.
Parties Involved
The parties involved in the conflict are the Mamprusis and Kusasis. Historically, the conflict has been a struggle over allodial rights, power, and influence in the Bawku area. The dispute dates back to the indirect rule system, which triggered decades of ethnic conflict between the indigenous Kusasis, who are the majority in Bawku, and the Mamprusis, settlers perceived as more powerful. In 1957, as Ghana gained independence, the Kusasis, feeling subjugated under a Mamprusi Bawku Naba imposed by colonial authorities, also declared their independence by appointing Naba Abugrago Azoka as their Bawku Naba, marking the beginning of the Bawku conflict. Beyond the gun battles and warfare, the Bawku crisis has been fought in courtrooms with verdicts even from the Highest Court, but little or no progress has come out of it.
What really happened?
On April 9, 2025, a violent clash in Bawku, located in the Upper East Region, resulted in the death of one person and injuries to two others, including a student, after police reportedly opened fire near Gandhi City, a suburb of the area. The unrest began when youth from one faction attempted to block members of the opposing group from accessing a local market. The police intervention escalated tensions, leading to a confrontation between the Kusasis and the Mamprusis. In retaliation, angry youths set several houses ablaze, torched a police vehicle, and burned the private residence of the Bawku Divisional Police Commander, Adamu Seidu.
Statement from the Interior Ministry
In response to the renewed violence in Bawku, the Ministry of the Interior has revised the curfew hours for the Bawku Municipality and its surrounding communities in the Upper East Region. The new curfew, now in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. This decision comes after reports surfaced alleging that police officers had shot some youths in the area, triggering heightened tensions and unrest. In an official statement, the government called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.
Mahama’s call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
President Mahama has also entered the conversation about the Bawku conflict, revealing plans to initiate peace mediation processes led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as efforts intensify to restore calm in the area.
Otumfuo’s key role in resolving the chieftaincy dispute in the Dagbon Kingdom is expected to yield positive results and bring lasting peace to the matter. Meanwhile, the Manhyia Palace has announced that the Asantehene Otumfuo, Osei Tutu II, will resume mediation efforts to address the ongoing Bawku crisis. According to a press release dated April 15, 2025, the mediation sessions will take place from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
Source: Manhyia Palace
Response from Member of Parliament
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central has strongly condemned the recent violent clashes. In a statement, Mr. Ayariga expressed sympathy to the families affected by the unrest and called for calm among the youth. He also pledged his support for the peace process being led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, noting that other traditional leaders, including the Overlord of Kusaug and the Overlord of Mamprugu, are also supporting the efforts.
Source: Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga
Attack on Members of Parliament
The Members of Parliament themselves have had a fair share of attacks. The Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga’s residence was attacked by some unidentified youth as the violence in Bawku inched a notch higher.
Shortly after the attack, the IGP, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, led a team to Bawku in an attempt to reduce tension. Days after his visit, Binduri, near Bawku, also experienced another wave of attacks.
Proliferation of Arms
One critical issue that continues to fuel the Bawku conflict is the widespread proliferation of small arms. A study titled “Understanding the Causes and Dynamics of Conflicts in Ghana: Insights from the Bawku Traditional Area“ identifies the easy availability of small arms as a key driver of violent conflicts across many African countries. In Bawku, the research indicates that the heavy arming of both factions is a significant factor in sustaining the ongoing unrest.
Speaking to DUBAWA, Adam Bonaa, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Small Arms and Light Weapons, admitted that efforts to curb the spread of illegal weapons have faced significant challenges. However, he noted that the Commission is collaborating with Allied Security Operatives to crack down on individuals possessing illicit firearms. He also revealed that plans are underway to review and strengthen the existing firearms legislation, which he believes, once passed, will enhance efforts to combat the growing threat of arms proliferation in the country.
“We are going to have a robust arms control board coming into being, in the shortest possible time. You can see the carnage that firearms ammunition is doing to us all over the country, and you can’t limit it to Bawku. The current law was passed about 50 years ago. To have an arms law that is over 50 years old, it has outlived its usefulness. The good news is that it might be passed into law pretty soon.”
Conclusion
The April 9 clashes, marked by fatalities and destruction of property, reflect the delicate nature of peace in the region. Fuelled by the alarming spread of illegal arms and complicated by historical grievances and political undertones, Bawku remains a volatile flashpoint.
