Witness to Conflict: Reflections on the Bawku Crisis

As a retired military officer, I have witnessed many scenes of tension and unrest, but the protracted conflict in Bawku strikes a particularly painful chord in my heart. It is a conflict that has endured for decades—one that continues to scar the social fabric of a community that once thrived in harmony. In undertaking this documentary, I feel compelled not only by a sense of duty but by a deep concern for the future of the people of Bawku and the region at large.

The Remote Causes

To understand Bawku today, one must revisit its history. The roots of this conflict are deeply embedded in colonial and post-colonial administrative decisions, chiefly surrounding the issue of chieftaincy. Historically, the Bawku area has been home to multiple ethnic groups, with the Kusasi and Mamprusi being the most dominant.

During the colonial era, the British recognized Mamprusi leadership in the area, even though the Kusasis were the indigenous majority. This decision laid the groundwork for decades of chieftaincy disputes, fueled by questions of legitimacy, identity, and representation.

Over time, these historical grievances hardened into ethnic divisions. What could have been a localized issue of leadership legitimacy gradually evolved into a broader, more entrenched conflict, shaped by mistrust, injustice, and unaddressed wounds.

Immediate Triggers

Recent flare-ups in Bawku have largely stemmed from attempts to install or recognize chiefs perceived to be aligned with either ethnic group. Often, these ceremonies trigger confrontations, resulting in casualties, displacement, and destruction.

Another immediate factor is the deepening economic despair in the region. High youth unemployment, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education or vocational training have created fertile ground for radicalization and violence. Politicians, sometimes, exploit these vulnerabilities, further polarizing the population for electoral gain.

The proliferation of small arms and the infiltration of external actors—sometimes even from across the borders—has exacerbated an already volatile situation. What began as a local issue now threatens regional stability.

Issues at Hand

Today, Bawku stands divided. Trust between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities is at an all-time low. Gunfire echoes in neighborhoods where laughter once reigned. Children grow up knowing war more than peace. Schools and markets have become unsafe zones. And yet, amid this pain, the people’s desire for peace remains.

The conflict has gone beyond chieftaincy. It now encompasses land disputes, access to resources, political affiliations, and questions of identity. Security efforts—though important—have not yielded lasting peace. What Bawku needs is healing: social, psychological, cultural, and political.

Proposed Solutions

From my experience and perspective, a multi-layered approach is needed to resolve the Bawku conflict sustainably:

1. Truth and Reconciliation Forum: Let us initiate a regional truth commission where both parties can voice their historical grievances and aspirations in a structured, respectful environment. Such dialogue, mediated by trusted neutral figures (possibly religious leaders, traditional authorities from outside the region, or respected former statesmen), could rebuild lost trust.
2. Legal and Constitutional Clarification: The government must provide a clear, transparent ruling on the chieftaincy matter based on historical facts and the will of the people, with legal backing that is not open to manipulation or reinterpretation.
3. Joint Development Boards: Establish cross-ethnic development boards that manage community projects, giving all sides a stake in the region’s progress. Shared success can lead to shared peace.
4. Youth Empowerment Programs: Launch vocational and educational programs specifically targeted at the youth in Bawku, helping to steer them away from violence and towards opportunity.
5. Conflict-Sensitive Policing: Deploy security personnel trained in ethnic and cultural sensitivity, who understand the dynamics on the ground and can act as peacekeepers rather than enforcers.
6. Media and Messaging: A strong, community-driven media strategy is necessary to combat hate speech, promote unity, and tell stories of resilience and reconciliation.

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As I embark on this documentary, I carry with me the stories, fears, and hopes of the people of Bawku. I am not merely an observer—I am a fellow Ghanaian deeply troubled by the blood that continues to spill in a land that should be fertile for growth, not for grief.

Let this documentary serve as a wake-up call, a mirror, and a map. Let it remind us that behind every gunshot is a silenced dream, and behind every burnt house is a displaced memory. It is time we choose peace. Not tomorrow. Today.

Capt. Perrygrino Nelson (Rtd)