The Bawku conflict, rooted in a protracted chieftaincy dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups, has resulted in recurrent violence in the Upper East Region.
Since the resurgence of violence in October 2024, at least 58 people have been killed.
The situation remains volatile, with combatants engaging in daily gun battles in Bawku township and along major routes like the Bawku-Bolgatanga-Tamale highway.
Despite interventions by security forces, peace remains elusive as armed groups continue to engage in violent confrontations.
The killing of children in the latest attacks underscores the worsening humanitarian crisis, prompting renewed calls for urgent government action to restore stability.
The government has maintained that engaging traditional leaders and stakeholders is the best approach to ending the age-old dispute.
President John Dramani Mahama recently visited Bawku, where he met with traditional rulers, including Bawku Naba, Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, and the Nayiri of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga to reaffirm the government’s position.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has also agreed to facilitate the mediation process in the ongoing conflict in Bawku, emphasising that the country cannot afford to let the fight undermine its unity and progress.
He made this statement during a recent meeting with a government delegation.
Meanwhile, GhanaWeb takes a look at the number of children killed in the conflict in the past three weeks.
January 25, 2025
A 13-year-old boy identified as Sherif was attacked by gunmen while herding cattle around the Posum-Singnatinga-Possum enclave.
The assailants snapped his neck and stole the cattle he was tending.
February 8,2025
Gunmen in military uniforms stormed a house in Tensungo, killing a seven-month-old baby, a two-year-old child, and their mother in cold blood.
February 14, 2025
In another heartbreaking incident, a woman lost her five-month-old daughter on Valentine’s Day February 14, 2025 after an attack by gun men.
This adds to the growing list of innocent victims caught in the conflict.
JKB/EB
Meanwhile, watch as Asiedu Nketiah breaks silence on the ‘uneasiness’ within the NDC and his ‘fight’ with Mahama