Bawku Naba praises IGP Yohuno for commitment to justice and peace

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno exchanging pleasantries with Bawku Naba, Zug-Raan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II

In a rare and significant public gesture, the Kusaug Traditional Council, led by the revered Bawku Naba, Zug-Raan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, has lauded the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for his principled response to recent unrest in Bawku. The council expressed “sincere appreciation” for the IGP’s visit to the conflict-prone area, hailing his commitment to transparency, justice, and lasting peace.

The Bawku Naaba's commendation follows Mr Yohuno’s tour of the Upper East town, where he met with local leaders and pledged a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of one individual and injuries to several others in a recent disturbance. His visit, which many have described as a significant gesture of state engagement, is being seen by local leaders as a reaffirmation of the police service’s resolve to restore order and rebuild trust.

In a statement signed by the Council’s Secretary, Mr. David Adoliba, the traditional authority acknowledged the symbolic and practical importance of the IGP’s presence. “This gesture demonstrates the IGP’s dedication to transparency and accountability, aligning with the council’s values of preserving community identity and promoting development,” the statement noted.

The Kusaug Traditional Council used the opportunity to reinforce its unwavering call for peace in the region. “We urge the youth to remain calm, avoid destructive actions, and trust the justice system,” the statement said. The Bawku Naaba, known for his consistent calls for dialogue and reconciliation, reiterated the need for constructive engagement to resolve the longstanding tensions that have marred the area’s development. The council emphasized that achieving lasting peace in Bawku requires a collective effort. “Let us work together towards peaceful advocacy and meaningful dialogue to address concerns and achieve accountability,” the statement urged, echoing the IGP’s own remarks during his visit.

In a further show of support for state institutions, the Kusaug Traditional Council appealed to the IGP to ensure that police officers resume their regular duties in the municipality, signalling the council’s readiness to support operational security measures. “With this trust, we call on the Inspector-General of Police to direct the Divisional Command to deploy police personnel to resume their normal duties in Kusaug,” the council said.

This statement is a notable pivot toward collaboration following years of mutual suspicion between some communities and state security actors in the area. By calling for the full restoration of police operations, the Bawku Naaba signalled both confidence in the current leadership of the Ghana Police Service and the community’s desire to return to normalcy.

The statement concluded with a powerful endorsement of the IGP’s message of inclusive peacebuilding. “We call on all parties to prioritize peace and unity, echoing the Inspector General of Police’s vision on collective action and dialogue,” it read. “By working together and engaging in constructive discussions, we can effectively resolve the conflict and restore stability in Kusaug.”

As Ghana’s northern conflict hotspots continue to pose challenges to national cohesion and development, the alliance between traditional authority and security leadership in Bawku offers a potential blueprint for peacebuilding elsewhere. The Bawku Naaba’s endorsement of IGP Yohuno may well mark a turning point—if matched with continued dialogue, transparency, and action.