Ghana has deployed additional soldiers to the northeastern region of Bawku to quell a decades-long chieftaincy conflict that has fueled recent violence, including attacks on schools.
The conflict, rooted in a dispute between the Mamprusi and Kusaasi ethnic groups over who can appoint a chief for the area, has resulted in multiple deaths, including three high school students and a traditional leader.
Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced the deployment, stating that mediation efforts by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Ghana’s most revered traditional ruler, had almost brought finality to the conflict before recent killings necessitated drastic actions.
A curfew has been imposed from 2 pm to 6 am daily until further notice to help restore order and facilitate the evacuation of students.
The government is working to restore calm and protect lives and property, amid concerns over the potential for the conflict to destabilize the wider region.
The Bawku chieftaincy conflict has remained one of Ghana’s most protracted ethnic flashpoints, often resulting in violent clashes and loss of lives.
The government’s response underscores growing concern over the conflict’s impact, with calls for peace and restraint echoed across the country. Authorities are urging residents to cooperate with security forces and observe curfew regulations.
The security situation in the area remains volatile, with investigations ongoing into recent incidents.
