Indigenes of Bawku living in the Ashanti Region have signed a peace agreement to prevent the long-running Kusaasi–Mamprusi conflict from spilling over into Kumasi.
The pact, facilitated by the Ashanti Regional Security Council, follows recent clashes in Asawase and Asokore Mampong that left two people dead, including a local chief. The incidents heightened concerns that the Bawku crisis could trigger renewed violence in Kumasi.
While an Asantehene-led committee continues broader peace efforts in Bawku, regional security authorities are working to avert tensions among migrants from the area.
A seven-member committee made up of representatives from various security agencies first held separate meetings with the Kusasi and Mamprusi factions before convening them in a joint dialogue. The process culminated in the symbolic signing of a peace pact at the Ashanti Regional Police Command on Thursday.
DSP Godwin Ahianyo, Head of Public Relations for the Ashanti Regional Police Command, described the agreement as a vital step to maintain calm.
“Recently, we had disturbances in Asawase and its enclave, with people trading accusations. So the Regional Coordinating Council set up a committee to meet the Kusasi and Mamprusi groups. After hearing from them, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure peaceful coexistence in the region,” he said.
Leaders of the two factions pledged to honor the pact and counsel their followers to avoid further confrontations.
Ashanti Regional Vice Chairman of the Mamprusi Youth Association, Tufeiru, said:
“Today’s meeting was to sign a peace treaty between the Mamprusis and the Kusasis, and we have done so. We will go home and advise our people to see each other as brothers and sisters.”
Chairman of the Kusasi Chiefs Association in the Ashanti Region, Naaba Winyellesom Ndeego, added:
“We are not importing any conflict from Bawku into the Ashanti Region. We are here for business, and we have agreed that each community will conduct its activities peacefully without violence.”
Security officials urged both factions to remain committed to peace and share timely information to help prevent future clashes.
