Government Steps Up Measures to Address Bawku Conflict
What’s the Claim?The Ghanaian government has intensified interventions—deploying security forces, imposing curfews, shutting inflammatory media outlets, and supporting traditional mediation efforts—to address escalating chieftaincy violence between Kusasi and Mamprusi communities in Bawku. What We Found In late October 2024, following deadly clashes that left at least 16–20 people dead, the Ministry of Interior imposed an expanded curfew (e.g., 6pm–6am), banned arms, and deployed joint military and police units along key routes such as the Bolgatanga–Tamale highway to curb further violence. The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, urged community unity, refrained from politicization, and called on traditional leaders to exercise restraint while government agencies enforced peace directives. During the State of the Nation Address in February 2024, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the high security costs draining national budget due to the Bawku dispute. He outlined measures including the […]
