Bawku crisis: We lift suspension of NPP political activities despite gov't refusal to arrest fugitive Seidu Abagre — Kusaug Traditional Council

The Kusaug Traditional Council (KTC) has lifted its suspension on the political activities of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) within the Kusaug region.

This suspension initially barred NPP members from engaging in political activities or associating with the party’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, following the alleged smuggling of Mamprusi fugitive Seidu Abagre into Bawku, which reignited tensions in the area.

In an October 28 press conference, the Council attributed its decision to concerns that the government, particularly Dr. Bawumia—a Mamprusi himself—was complicit in the activities exacerbating the Bawku chieftaincy conflict. However, on November 8, the KTC issued a new statement announcing the lifting of the suspension.

“Although we have yet to see any concrete government action to apprehend Seidu Abagre, we have decided to lift the suspension of NPP political activities in all six constituencies of Kusaug,” the statement read. The Council cited the respectful cooperation of NPP members in Kusaug, their acknowledgment of the authority of the Zug-Raan (paramount chief), and mediation efforts by the Upper East Regional Minister and Chiana Pio, president-elect of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, as factors in their decision.

The Council also acknowledged the dissatisfaction of NPP parliamentary candidates regarding the handling of issues surrounding the settler Mamprusis, noting that these candidates, being members of the Kusaug community, share the Council's concerns. “We recognize that the NPP parliamentary candidates are part of our community and have expressed their own disapproval of the government’s inadequate response to the situation,” the statement concluded.