Kusasi Banditry in Bawku: A Tragedy of Violence, Silence, and Injustice

The history of violence in Bawku, perpetuated by Kusasi bandits, has left deep scars on the lives of numerous ethnic groups, including the Mamprusi, Hausas, Mossi, Bissas, Dagombas, Fulanis, Yorubas, and Ashantis. Despite the devastating toll, the media and some security experts have largely remained silent, allowing the perpetrators to continue their lawlessness with impunity.

The most recent tragedy occurred on January 6, 2025, when Mallam Umar, a Gonja man from Bole, was ambushed and killed by Kusasi attackers while driving a bus carrying Mamprusi civilians. His murder is a painful reminder of the unchecked violence in Bawku. The irony is stark: even as the Kusasi celebrated the anticipated swearing-in of a Gonja president, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, they took the life of one of his townsmen.

This atrocity is part of a long-standing pattern of Kusasi violence in Bawku. Over the years, their indiscriminate killings, destruction of livelihoods, and targeting of essential service providers have crippled the region. Among the most horrifying incidents were the Cinkasse killings, where 12 women and children were mercilessly murdered. These acts occurred even before the enskinment of Naa Sheriga Seidu Abagre and his return to Bawku, discrediting attempts to blame the violence solely on his presence in Bawku.

The impact of these atrocities extends beyond the immediate victims. The violence has disrupted the local economy, destroyed trust between communities, and fostered an environment of fear and despair. Yet, despite the clear evidence of these crimes, they have largely gone unreported and unaddressed, perpetuating a culture of impunity.

The silence of prominent voices, including Emmanuel Bombande, Col. Festus Aboagye (Rtd), and other security experts, is deeply troubling. These individuals, often quick to analyze other cases of violence, have chosen to remain mute on the ongoing atrocities in Bawku. Their selective outrage undermines their credibility and sends a dangerous message that some lives and conflicts are less deserving of attention.

This silence erodes public trust and deepens the wounds of the affected communities. When women and children are brutally murdered, when essential workers are targeted, and when security personnel are killed, the nation expects unified condemnation. The absence of such condemnation not only fuels impunity but also weakens efforts to restore peace and justice.

The Challenge Before President Mahama
As H.E. John Mahama begins his presidency, the violence in Bawku presents a defining challenge. The killing of Mallam Umar, a relative of the president, underscores the urgency of the situation. This is an opportunity for the president to demonstrate bold and impartial leadership by addressing the conflict and ensuring justice for all.

The response of the Mamprusi community, who followed Mallam Umar's family to Bole for his burial, shows remarkable grace in the face of pain. Similarly, the Bawku Naaba, Naa Sheriga Abagre, sent a delegation to assist in the burial, signaling a desire for unity amidst the chaos. These actions provide a foundation for reconciliation and healing—but only if accompanied by decisive leadership.

A Call to Action
President Mahama must take immediate and decisive steps to address the crisis in Bawku:

1. A thorough investigation into both historical and recent crimes, including the Chankase killings and the murder of Mallam Umar, is critical to holding perpetrators accountable.

2. Enhance Security in Bawku, by deploying adequate security measures to protect all citizens and prevent any group from exploiting perceived political support for violent gains.

3. Facilitate National Dialogue, to address long-standing grievances through inclusive dialogue that acknowledges the complexity of the conflict rather than reducing it to oversimplified narratives.

The president must also fulfill his promise to investigate other unresolved cases, such as the killing of journalist Ahmed Sualley, and Major Maxwell Adam Mahama. Justice for these victims would set a new standard for accountability in Ghana and reinforce public trust in his leadership.

A Plea to Ghanaians
The media, security agencies, and civil society must break their silence. Ignoring the atrocities in Bawku deepens divisions and fuels resentment. Ghanaians must collectively demand justice and accountability.

The murder of Mallam Umar and countless others is not just another statistic—it is a call to action. The lives lost to Kusasi violence demand justice. The silence and impunity must end.

President Mahama has a unique opportunity to lead Ghana into a new era of justice, peace, and unity. His response to the Bawku crisis will define his presidency and set the tone for the nation’s future. Let us rise above ethnic politics and work together to build a Ghana where every citizen, regardless of ethnicity or background, feels valued, protected, and heard.

The time to act is now. When women and children are killed, when security personnel tasked with restoring order are targeted, and when health workers are attacked, one would expect a strong and united condemnation from all quarters. Yet, the lack of accountability or even acknowledgment of these atrocities from key commentators and institutions is as troubling as the violence itself.

Your Excellency, I urge you to address this lawlessness decisively. Perpetrators of violence, irrespective of their ethnic affiliations, must be held accountable. The Kusasi banditry must not be ignored, and justice must prevail —for the victims, for the nation, and for future generations, to restore lasting peace to Bawku and its environs.

By: Hamza I. Salifu