The Bawku Question: Situation, Risk, and the Imperative for a Lasting Peace

A Foundation of Constitutional and Traditional Authority:

Ghana’s esteemed tradition of conflict resolution uniquely blends constitutional governance with indigenous mediation systems. Within this framework, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been instrumental in modernizing traditional Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), applying its historical depth, cultural legitimacy, and moral authority to the protracted chieftaincy dispute in Bawku.

The presentation of his mediation report to President John Dramani Mahama—witnessed by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang—was a significant national event. It demonstrated respect for the Supreme Court’s ruling and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to a peace process that is both lawful and culturally grounded.

Persistent Vulnerabilities and Converging Threats:
Despite this historic effort, Bawku remains trapped in cycles of-
– mistrust,
– insecurity, and
– strategic misinformation.

Inflammatory rhetoric, irresponsible media narratives, and the politicization of the conflict threaten to erode the credibility of the mediation. More critically, the security fragility of Ghana’s north-eastern corridor intersects with expanding regional threats. Jihadist incursions in neighbouring countries present a clear danger, where unresolved internal conflicts can become gateways for external destabilization across borders.

Prolonged unrest has also-
– crippled development,
entrenched poverty,
– weakened social cohesion, and
– undermined public confidence in state institutions—particularly in security and equitable service delivery.

The Central Question: From Agreement to Lived Reality-Given the completed mediation, the constitutional clarity provided by the apex court, and proposed government interventions:

How does Ghana move beyond agreements to consolidate tangible and lasting peace in Bawku?

How can the outcomes of traditional mediation be translated into –
– daily security,
– economic recovery, and
– restored social trust?

How can the diverse communities of Kusaug collectively safeguard their shared future against –
– division,
– manipulation, and
– the scourge of underdevelopment?

An Integrated Architecture for Peace:

The solution requires the strategic alignment of-
– traditional authority,
– state responsibility, and
– citizen accountability into a single, coherent peace architecture.

Uphold the Mediation as a National Framework: Otumfuo’s report must be endorsed as both a cultural covenant and a national peace blueprint.Government must treat any sabotage through reckless speech or media sensationalism as a threat to national security.

Make Peace Visible Through Development: The proposed Bawku Revitalisation Fund, under the Finance Minister, Hon. Ato Forson, must be a transparent trust compact with the people.

It should deliver –
– tangible infrastructure, livelihoods, and
– economic revival—not bureaucratic consumption.
– Accountability and citizen oversight are non-negotiable.

Re-calibrate Security to be Civil-Centred:
Gun violence must trigger immediate, impartial investigations free from political interference. The Police Service requires enhanced resources to lead internal security, while the military’s role should be carefully defined to avoid normalizing the militarization of civic life.

Consciously Reinforce Social Cohesion:
Kusaug’s history is one of deep integration—generations of intermarriage among Kusaa, Mamprusi, Bimoba, Mossi, Fulani, Hausa, and Gonja communities.
These bonds make division artificial and self-destructive. This inherent duty of care must now be elevated into a conscious, shared civic ethic.

Define the New Battle: Peace Versus Underdevelopment-
The dominant agenda must shift from ethnic suspicion to a collective fight against poverty.

Restoring dignity through-
– job creation,
– enabled investment, and
– youth empowerment is the urgent task that unites all.

Conclusion:

Traditional ADR has proven its worth as a golden mechanism for Ghana.
What remains is its disciplined implementation, underpinned by ethical governance and collective responsibility.

The choice is clear:
– allow old grievances to fuel instability and underdevelopment, or
– unite behind a future of shared prosperity.

Peace be still in Bawku—Kusaug. The time to develop is now.

Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateg,
AfriKan Continental Union Consult (ACUC),
Ghana Chapter.

Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle

 

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