The Minister of Defence, Dr. Omane Boamah, has pledged his unwavering commitment to advancing the government’s strategy to restore lasting peace in Bawku, where renewed violence has gripped the area since late December 2024.
The resurgence of attacks has led to multiple casualties, displacement of residents, and heightened insecurity in the region. The unrest stems from a long-standing chieftaincy dispute between factions of the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups, a conflict that has proven resistant to previous security interventions and peace-building initiatives.
In a bid to address the worsening situation, President John Dramani Mahama visited Bawku on January 14 to assess conditions firsthand. During his visit, he engaged local leaders, security officials, and affected residents as part of a broader government effort to bolster security and explore diplomatic and traditional methods of conflict resolution.
On February 12, high-level discussions were held at the Ministry of Defence to deliberate on strategies to contain the violence and promote reconciliation. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Omane Boamah, brought together key stakeholders, including the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak; the Chief of the Defense Staff; and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, among others.
Following the meeting, the Defence Minister in a Facebook post reaffirmed the government’s resolve to follow a carefully outlined peace roadmap. This plan emphasized is a combination of security measures, community engagement, and dialogue with traditional authorities as critical steps toward resolving the conflict.