The Ghana Police Service has pledged to work closely with key stakeholders to restore and maintain peace in Bawku, following violent confrontations between the youth and security personnel on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
The clashes reportedly led to fatalities, injuries, and damage to private property, raising serious concerns about growing tensions in the area.
In an official statement, the Police Service announced that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, accompanied by members of the Police Management Board and security experts, will visit Bawku as part of efforts to resolve the conflict. During the visit, the IGP will pay a courtesy call on the overlord of Bawku, Zugraan Bawku Naaba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, to seek his counsel and support in addressing the situation.
“The visit will include consultations with the overlord and discussions with other stakeholders to address the misunderstanding between youth groups and the police that led to the April 9th violence,” the statement read. “The Ghana Police Service remains committed to working with all relevant parties to strengthen security in Bawku and neighboring communities.”
In a related development, the Ministry of the Interior, based on the advice of the Upper East Regional Security Council, has reviewed the curfew hours for Bawku Municipality and its environs. Effective Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the new curfew hours are from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
A separate statement from the Interior Minister emphasized a strict ban on the possession of arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons during the curfew period. Individuals found in violation will face arrest and prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Bawku, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly condemned the recent violence. Speaking from outside the country, where he is on assignment, Mr. Ayariga expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and damage to property, including an attempted attack on his private residence.
He attributed the unrest to long-standing frustrations among the youth regarding unresolved chieftaincy issues and alleged misconduct by certain members of the security forces.
“I understand the anger and frustration of the youth concerning the slow resolution of the Bawku and Kusaaug issues, as well as the behavior of some misguided law enforcement officers,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Ayariga reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful resolution through legal and constitutional means. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement to safeguard lives and property.
The MP also expressed confidence in the ongoing mediation process led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and supported by other traditional rulers and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. He stressed the importance of respecting legal and judicial processes in resolving the dispute.
In response to allegations circulating on social media, Mr. Ayariga dismissed them as politically motivated falsehoods aimed at tarnishing his image. “The smear campaign on social media will not distract me. In the end, we will be vindicated,” he added.
