Security consultant Prof. Kwesi Aning has stressed that the ongoing conflict in Bawku has evolved from ethnic tensions and chieftaincy disputes into a much more complex issue, now primarily driven by organised crime and a transnational network.
Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show, Prof. Aning explained that while the violence initially stemmed from ethnic and leadership struggles, it has now become largely fueled by criminal groups exploiting these divisions. He pointed out that the situation is far more complicated than most people understand.
“The presupposition and the common perception are that what is happening in Bawku is essentially a conflict between two groups of people. My agreement, however, is that it has transcended these two groups. It has also moved beyond chieftaincy issues,” he stated.
Prof. Aning emphasised that the primary force behind the violence is not ethnic or chieftaincy disputes, but organised crime networks that have capitalised on these tensions. “What we are witnessing in Bawku today is being driven more by criminality and a transnational network. These criminal groups use the notions of ethnicity, ethnic identity, and long-standing suspicions surrounding chieftaincy to further their agendas,” he added.
While he refrained from revealing sensitive details about the criminal groups involved, he underscored the growing complexity of the conflict. “But I cannot delve too much into this, as I hold a public office, and such matters are sensitive,” he explained. Nonetheless, his comments highlighted the significant role that criminal networks are playing in perpetuating the violence in Bawku.
Prof. Aning also criticised the widespread narrative that the conflict is merely about ethnicity or chieftaincy. He warned that this oversimplified view only exacerbates the situation.
“The argument that it is simply an ethnic or chieftaincy issue is false. It does not help the situation at all. In fact, it may even worsen tensions, which are already at a breaking point,” he cautioned.
Furthermore, Prof. Aning pointed to the government’s failure to effectively address the crisis, blaming a lack of resources and strategic planning. He described the situation as precarious, warning that it is on the brink of escalating into an even more destructive conflict.
“I can assure you that the situation is delicate, on the verge of becoming a scorched-earth policy. We do not have the necessary resources or the strong foundation to resolve this effectively. There is a need for more strategic focus, and without that, the crisis will only deepen,” he said.
In a somber assessment of the government’s capabilities, Prof. Aning concluded, “That I can tell you, and we cannot calm the conflict. We don’t have the resources, we don’t have the backbone.”