Bawku, Ghana – April 2025
The town of Bawku in Ghana’s Upper East Region has long been a flashpoint for ethnic and political tension. In recent years, the conflict has intensified, drawing national attention due to recurring violence, curfews, military interventions, and a humanitarian toll on residents. To understand the situation fully, one must look at both the immediate triggers and the deep-rooted historical causes of the unrest.
Immediate Causes of the Bawku Conflict
- Chieftaincy Dispute Over Kingship The most immediate catalyst of the current crisis is the dispute over who holds legitimate claim to the Bawku skin (kingship). The two dominant ethnic groups in Bawku—the Mamprusi and the Kusasi—each lay claim to the chieftaincy, sparking confrontations whenever a chief is enskinned by either side. In recent instances, rival enskinments and state recognition controversies have triggered violent clashes.
- Recent Provocations and Tit-for-Tat Violence Ongoing attacks and counterattacks between youth factions, often involving firearms, have escalated tensions. In some cases, even minor incidents such as arguments over land boundaries or public insults have spiraled into community-wide violence.
- Increased Presence of Armed Groups The proliferation of small arms in the region, combined with weak enforcement mechanisms, has allowed criminal and militant elements to exploit the conflict. Reports suggest some factions have access to sophisticated weapons, making confrontations deadlier.
- Security Clampdowns and Mistrust Military and police operations aimed at restoring calm have been criticized by locals for alleged bias and heavy-handedness. Curfews, arrests, and the alleged targeting of specific ethnic groups have fueled further resentment and resistance.
Remote (Historical and Structural) Causes
- Ethnic Rivalry and Historical Claims The long-standing rivalry between the Kusasis and Mamprusis dates back to colonial and pre-colonial times. Each group claims historical ownership and political control over Bawku. The Kusasis argue for indigenous status and dominance, while Mamprusis claim ancestral rights and traditional authority.
- Colonial Legacy and Administrative Decisions During British colonial rule, decisions on chieftaincy recognition and territorial administration often favored certain groups over others. These administrative actions laid the foundation for post-independence disputes, with unresolved tensions resurfacing over time.
- Land Ownership and Resource Competition Land is both a symbol of power and a critical economic asset in Bawku. Competing claims to farmland and property ownership often fuel tensions, especially during farming seasons or when government development projects are introduced.
- Political Polarization The Bawku conflict is also deeply entangled in national politics. Political parties are often accused of aligning with one ethnic group or another, influencing decisions on security, development projects, and traditional leadership appointments. This political interference has complicated efforts to achieve lasting peace.
The Way Forward: Dialogue, Justice, and Development
Experts and community leaders agree that resolving the Bawku conflict requires multi-level engagement:
- Neutral mediation involving respected traditional and national leaders.
- A clear and enforceable legal framework on chieftaincy disputes.
- Demilitarization and community policing to restore trust in security agencies.
- Long-term investment in education, infrastructure, and youth employment to reduce the economic motivations behind unrest.
Until these root issues are addressed, peace in Bawku will remain fragile. The need for comprehensive, unbiased, and sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever.