Businesses in northern Ghana face potential disruption amid rising concerns that the Bawku conflict could escalate, with fears of reprisal attacks from other ethnic groups. The fragile peace in Bawku, a town in the Upper East Region, was shattered when renewed violence erupted, leading to the loss of lives and property. The recent conflict is attributed to the return of a rival chief Seidu Abagre, whose arrest warrant was controversially withdrawn—a decision the Kusasis of Bawku blame on the government.
The violence over the weekend has caused alarm, with messages circulating on social media advising travelers from Bolgatanga, the Upper East regional capital, to suspend their trips as the area is deemed unsafe due to potential attacks along the route. Reports also indicate that a bus attack during the weekend, which resulted in fatalities, involved individuals from various ethnic groups, heightening fears of retaliatory strikes from those uninvolved in the original conflict.
Both the Kusaug Traditional Council and Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II who are aligned, have condemned the violence in separate statements, accusing the government of siding with one party in the dispute. The Bawku to Bolgatanga, Walewale and Tamale route is a critical commercial corridor linking northern Ghana to the south, frequently used by traders, including those from Burkina Faso. Concerns are mounting that the unrest, compounded by social media warnings, could severely disrupt the flow of goods and services, exacerbating the region’s already challenging conditions due to drought and ongoing conflict in Burkina Faso and other Sahel countries.
Market analysts warn that, aside from the human toll, the situation could lead to a spike in prices of essential cereals like maize, millet, and sorghum, as well as tomatoes, onions, and other produce sourced from Burkina Faso. The fear of instability could stifle trade and worsen the economic situation in the region.
Amid mounting pressure for swift government intervention to prevent further bloodshed and contain the conflict, both Zebilla parliamentary candidate Dr. John Kingsley Krugu and Bawku Central candidate Paul Alale Abogiri, who belong to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have temporarily halted their campaigns due to the tensions. Additionally, the Bawku Naba has suspended all NPP activities in the traditional area.
The government is being urged to act decisively to prevent any further loss of lives as well as prevent the conflict from spreading to other neighbouring regions.
There has been a longstanding conflict between the Kusasis and Mamprusis in Bawku, resulting in numerous casualties and diminishing the once vibrant atmosphere of the bustling town.
