In a strongly worded press conference held yesterday April 15, the Mamprugu Youth Association (MAYA) issued a fervent appeal to the Government and security agencies to remain neutral in the longstanding Bawku chieftaincy conflict.
The Association also called for urgent interventions to restore peace and security in the region, following recent deadly violence, property destruction, and what they described as “acts of domestic terrorism” allegedly perpetrated by Kusasi youth.
Historical Roots
Bawku, a strategic town in the Upper East Region, has long been a flashpoint for inter-ethnic tensions between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities over chieftaincy claims.
The Mamprugu Youth Association leader, Issah Moro addressing the press in Accra emphasized the historic enskinment rights of the Nayiri, King of Mamprugu, over the Bawku skin.
According to MAYA, “Naa Sheriga Alhaji Seidu Abagre is the respected Chief of Bawku duly enskinned by His Royal Majesty the Nayiri, Naa Abdulai Mahami Bohagu Sheriga, the legitimate kingmaker of the Bawku skins since 1721.”
The group said that the current escalation dates back to 2021, when Kusasi youth established a parallel market after violence erupted.
“The unilateral establishment of a parallel market by a segment of the Kusasi community… has introduced grave security challenges,” the Association claimed.
They alleged that the new market became a site of ethnic profiling, intimidation, and even violence.
“One of the most heart breaking incidents was the killing of a six-month-old Busanga baby whose grandmother had gone to the Kusasi market to buy vegetables,” the statement read.
“This tragic event underscores the climate of hostility that has festered.”
Allegations of Lawlessness
The Association accused Kusasi youth of “domestic terrorism” and violent resistance against security forces, citing coordinated attacks on police installations and personnel.
They listed several incidents: “Burning down of the residence of the Divisional Police Commander, attacks on the Bawku Police Barracks, Binduri Police Post, Pusiga Police Station, and even the homes of Members of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga and Laadi Ayamba.”
MAYA lamented the lack of condemnation from Kusasi political leaders. “We are yet to see a single condemnation of these acts of terrorism from the Kusasi leadership and their political class like Hon Ayariga, Hon Avoka, and others,” they noted.
Criticism of Police Conduct and IGP’s Visit
Central to their grievances was the recent visit of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to Bawku. “In what can best be described as bizarre,” the IGP was accused of apologizing to the Kusasi community—despite them allegedly orchestrating attacks against police officers.
“He refused to visit the Mamprusis, who are a key stakeholder. This biased conduct… emboldened the Kusasi youth to perpetuate more crime,” the Association asserted.
The most serious claim came with the report of the ambush and killing of two police officers in Binduri on April 13.
MAYA attributed the murders to Kusasi youth emboldened by what they described as “the cowardly and unprofessional conduct” of the IGP.
The Association also alleged that the Upper East Regional Police Command has recalled officers from outposts such as Binduri and Pusiga due to safety concerns.
“We have sighted a police memo… issuing a ban on the movement of police personnel to Bawku,” they revealed, warning of worsening insecurity.
Call for Government Action and Legal Protection
Addressing calls by Kusasi factions for the arrest of Naa Sheriga Alhaji Seidu Abagre, MAYA was unequivocal in its opposition.
“The demand… is unfounded, illegal, and a deliberate attempt to incite further unrest,” they said.
They referenced a Court of Appeal ruling in favour of Naa Sheriga, which declared a previous arrest warrant as unlawful.
“It is a matter of settled law,” they said, warning that “any attempt by the police or government to act upon this discredited warrant would constitute a gross injustice and a direct assault on the rule of law.”
The Association appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and mediator of the conflict, to note the “bad faith” and “aggression” they allege has come from the Kusasi side.
They warned that continued provocation threatens the mediation process.
Demands and Outlook
In a nine-point resolution, MAYA called for:
1. Government and security agencies to reject calls for Naa Sheriga’s arrest.
2. Media and stakeholders to avoid generalizing Bawku youth as violent.
3. Reinstatement of armed escorts on key trade routes.
4. Protection of public institutions being threatened with closure.
5. The government to remain impartial and uphold the law.
6. His Majesty Otumfuo to remain firm in mediation efforts.
7. Immediate action against any group seeking to sabotage peace efforts.
8. The IGP to step aside to “cleanse the image of the service.”
9. A firm and fair approach by law enforcement against lawlessness.
“We have consistently heeded the wise counsel of our King, the Nayiri, who has tirelessly advocated for peaceful coexistence,” MAYA concluded.
“But we will not stand idly by while a group with no legitimate claim attempts to destabilize our community… Our patience should not be mistaken for weakness.”
–BY Daniel Bampoe
