Brute Force Is Not The Way: A Call For Expedited Mediation In The Bawku Chieftaincy Conflict , Walewale Curfew A Misplaced Priority

The Bawku chieftaincy conflict, a protracted and deeply rooted dispute, has reached a point where brute force alone cannot resolve the crisis. While military intervention may provide short-term relief, sustainable peace can only be achieved through neutral mediation, legal adjudication, and institutional conflict monitoring mechanisms. As Baruch Spinoza once observed, "Peace is not the absence of war, but a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice." The Bawku conflict demands a solution grounded in fairness and law, not one dictated by sheer military might.

To address the Bawku crisis effectively, it is essential to delve into its historical underpinnings. The chieftaincy dispute is not a sudden outburst of violence but a deeply entrenched struggle over traditional authority, land, and ethnic identity. The conflict is exacerbated by political interference, the ambiguity of traditional boundaries, and jurisdictional disputes over who holds legitimate authority. Auguste Comte’s assertion that "to understand a society, one must understand its history and institutions" underscores the need for an in-depth analysis before any meaningful intervention can be made.

Our Chieftaincy Acts and Judicial Procedures need to work Over the Jurisdiction Issues on this matter.

legal and institutional approach is paramount in resolving the Bawku chieftaincy dispute. The Chieftaincy Act of Ghana provides a structured framework for addressing such conflicts, outlining the procedures for determining legitimacy and jurisdiction over traditional leadership. The judiciary, as a neutral arbiter, must be empowered to make a decisive ruling based on legal principles rather than political considerations. A protracted legal vacuum only fuels the flames of discord, making an expedited decision crucial.

While Mediation efforts must involve neutral bodies with expertise in traditional governance systems. These mediators should operate within the confines of the law while considering customary practices to ensure that the resolution is acceptable to all parties. The failure of past mediation efforts stems from bias and external interference, which erode trust in the process.

That needs robust conflict monitoring mechanism is essential in mitigating violence in Bawku. Conflict Prevention Mechanisms (CPM) should involve representatives from both factions, ensuring that intelligence gathering and early warning signals are not compromised by partisan interests. The UN Security Council emphasizes that "early warning and response systems are crucial in preventing conflicts from escalating into full-scale wars." The establishment of a local conflict monitoring team can help preempt attacks and facilitate de-escalation before violence spirals out of control.

The spillover effect is quite closer than imagine and would need with immediate effect an interim Security Measures to Prevent Road Shootings

While mediation and judicial intervention take their course, interim security measures must be implemented to curtail violence, particularly the rampant road shootings. The strategic deployment of a four-man military barrier every two kilometers along key routes—including Bolga-Bawku, Pulmakom-Widana, Cinkanse-Bawku-Pulmakom, and Bawku-North East—can help stem the tide of attacks.

Extremist elements and criminal gangs exploit the ongoing chaos to carry out highway ambushes, further destabilizing the region. Military presence along these routes will act as both a deterrent and a rapid response mechanism against such attacks. However, these forces must operate within a well-defined mandate to avoid excessive use of force, which could alienate the civilian population.

Lessons from Rwanda has it that,
The Rwandan genocide (1994-1996) remains a grim reminder of the consequences of failing to address conflicts promptly. While Paul Kagame’s military intervention was instrumental in ending the mass killings, it was coupled with reconciliation efforts, governance reforms, and justice mechanisms that facilitated long-term stability. A purely militaristic approach in Bawku, without corresponding judicial and reconciliation processes, risks deepening hostilities rather than resolving them.

John Mahama’s Role in Conflict Resolution

President John Dramani Mahama, through his chieftaincy and local government ministries, can rally regional ministers and security forces to initiate demobilization efforts. The existence of armed factions within the civilian population—reminiscent of Rwanda’s Interahamwe militia—poses a significant threat to peace. Disarming these groups requires a multi-pronged approach that combines security enforcement with community-based peacebuilding initiatives.

Mahama’s administration has an opportunity to champion a model that prioritizes dialogue and legal processes over brute force. However, this can only succeed if the civilian population retains confidence in the government’s neutrality. Any perception of bias or political manipulation will undermine the entire peace effort.

Political Interference over the four decades needs to be put an end now.

One of the primary reasons why the Bawku conflict remains unresolved is the persistent interference of politicians in chieftaincy affairs. Traditional institutions, which have their own governance structures, should not be manipulated to serve political ends. Chieftaincy disputes must be insulated from partisan interests to allow traditional and legal mechanisms to function effectively.

By allowing chieftaincy matters to be handled within their rightful institutional frameworks—with support from, but not domination by, the central government—the potential for political exploitation is reduced. Political actors must resist the temptation to use the conflict as a tool for electoral gains.

Legislation Against Banditry and Armed Insurgency to curb this canker , the best.

To curb violence in Bawku, stringent laws must be enacted to criminalize banditry, armed insurgency, and the illegal possession of weapons. Security experts within the UN have consistently highlighted that "weak legal frameworks create a permissive environment for armed groups to thrive." Ghana must strengthen its legal arsenal to ensure that individuals or groups who perpetuate violence face swift justice.

A balanced approach—one that prioritizes legal adjudication, neutral mediation, and strategic security measures—is necessary to resolve the crisis sustainably. As Spinoza warned, "He who seeks equality through arms will never achieve it." True peace can only be attained through justice, governance, and the goodwill of all stakeholders.

The central government, traditional authorities, and security forces must work together in an impartial and structured manner to ensure that the Bawku chieftaincy conflict does not continue to spill over into further violence and instability.

By;
Zakari GUA JNR. a.k.a Scorpio 🦂 ✍️
*_SECURITY AND JUSTICE ADVOCATE*
*Email: amadugua@gmail.com

   Comments0