The King of Mamprugu, Na Bohaga Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, has called on the government to take decisive and immediate measures to end all forms of armed violence and protect his people in the Bawku Traditional Area of the Upper East Region.
The Nayiri expressed deep concern over reports of violence targeting members of the state security services and incidents of banditry along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Poulimakom highways.
At a well-attended press conference in Nalerigu, the Mamprugu overlord urged the government to “intensify national efforts to restore Bawku to its rightful state as a hub of commerce and harmony” and to confront the destabilising activities of bandits along the international corridor.
The Nayiri’s statement came in the wake of renewed tension and violence between Kusasi youth and personnel of the Ghana Police Service in the Bawku Traditional Area.
Two police officers have so far been confirmed dead, while two others, including an immigration officer, have sustained injuries following the outbreak of violence.
The recent disturbances were reportedly triggered by accusations from Kusasis, who claim the police were biased, specifically alleging that the police administration aided women to trade in a Kusasi market.
Tensions escalated on April 9 when a man, believed to be a Kusasi youth leader, died during a chaotic protest against the alleged police bias.
“The angry Kusasi youth in Bawku then went on a rampage,” witnesses reported, “leading to the burning of police barracks and the private residences of the Bawku Divisional Police Commander and a CID operative.”
The rampaging youth also “launched violent attacks against police stations in Pusiga and Binduri and destroyed several police installations along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Poulimakom road.”
During a reconciliatory visit to Bawku, the Inspector General of Police became a target of violence when his vehicle was “extensively damaged by armed bandits.”
Addressing journalists at his palace, the Mamprugu overlord offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased police officers and appealed for justice for their killings.
“May divine wisdom continue to guide His Excellency in his leadership of this Republic and in his noble endeavour to foster unity and peace within our cherished nation,” he added.
In light of the increased instability in the Bawku Traditional Area, the Nayiri made several recommendations to the government for the restoration of law and order.
He said, “Increase security personnel and logistics. Address concerns raised by the police and military command in Bawku regarding insufficient manpower and logistics by deploying the required number of personnel to maintain law and order.”
“Though costly, this measure is far more prudent than bearing the price of insecurity,” he stressed.
He also urged the government to empower security forces, stating, “Ensure that security forces operate without undue political interference, enabling them to pursue and apprehend criminal elements disrupting the peace.”
Additionally, he called for the safeguarding of economic freedom, noting, “Guarantee that no trader, especially innocent women and children, including those from neighbouring Burkina Faso and Togo, are hindered from conducting business in their jewellery markets.”
The Nayiri further urged the youth of Mamprugu to remain calm and allow existing structures to work towards restoring peace in Bawku.
“In this difficult moment, His Royal Majesty calls upon the noble youth of Mamprugu to exercise restraint, uphold the values of peace, and remain law-abiding, as efforts to seek lasting resolutions and relief are actively underway,” he advised.
He also condemned reports of an economic embargo allegedly imposed by armed bandits, which has reportedly prevented Mamprusis and their sympathisers from travelling in and out of Bawku.
The Nayiri described this development as “totally unacceptable” and strongly urged the government to “ensure the free movement of goods and services along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Poulimakom highways.”