Head of Nii Arde Nkpa Family Daniel Nii Arde Tagoe calls for unified national action to end Bawku conflict

Head of Nii Arde Nkpa Family and Chief of Staff Office of James Town Paramount Chief, Daniel Nii Arde Tagoe, has made a passionate call for collective national intervention to end the long-standing conflict in Bawku, a crisis that has claimed hundreds of lives and continues to derail the region's development and peace.

Speaking during his Easter message on Sunday, April 20, 2025, Mr Tagoe, who also serves as the Presiding Elder of the Church of Pentecost Dansoman-Mamprobi District Area Bethel Assembly-Sempe in Accra, expressed deep concern over the deadly clashes between the Kusasis and Mamprusis.

He lamented the devastating toll the violence has taken on human lives, property, and economic progress in the area, particularly since the latest wave of violence began in November 2021.

According to him, lives have been lost in the recent phase of the conflict, leaving many families in sorrow and an entire municipality in fear and despair. He emphasized that the ongoing bloodshed was no longer a localized issue but one with wider implications for national and even regional security in West Africa.

"The situation in Bawku is no longer something we can overlook or pretend does not affect us all. This is not just about a specific tribe or religion. We are losing lives, destroying futures, and pushing an entire region into chaos. It’s time for all of us to rise and intervene," Elder Tagoe declared.

He called on the Christian Council of Ghana, prominent traditional rulers, Muslim leaders, and civil society organizations to collaborate with the government and security agencies to restore peace in Bawku. In his view, religious and traditional leaders wield the moral influence and credibility necessary to broker peace and foster reconciliation.

"I am calling on all key traditional and religious leaders, including our brothers in the Muslim community, to work hand-in-hand with the government and national security agencies to mediate dialogue between the Kusasis and Mamprusis. We must push for a ceasefire and promote understanding because the continuous clashes in Bawku are a threat not only to Ghana's stability but to peace in the West African sub-region," he stated.

He also stressed that Ghanaians must not view the conflict as an isolated problem affecting a particular ethnic or religious group. Instead, he urged the entire nation to treat it as a collective burden requiring urgent attention, compassion, and sacrifice.

"This should not be seen as just a Muslim issue or a tribal matter for the people of Bawku alone to solve. We all have a moral duty to help them find peace. Leaving them to battle it out alone is not an option if we truly believe in justice, unity, and national development," Elder Tagoe said.

He also used the opportunity to urge the feuding factions in Bawku, the Kusasis, and Mamprusis, to embrace peace, justice, and national unity. He encouraged them to remember the shared values of sacrifice and reconciliation, especially in the spirit of Easter, which commemorates the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"I urge the people of Kusasi and Mamprusi communities to let go of bitterness and consider the future of their children. Let the spirit of peace reign. We are all one people. Violence and revenge cannot build a better Bawku. Only forgiveness, dialogue, and mutual respect can," he preached.

Elder Tagoe noted that the continuous fighting has driven hundreds of professionals teachers, nurses, and other essential service providers away from the municipality. Many fear for their lives and have relocated to safer districts, leaving gaps in healthcare, education, and basic public services. This, he warned, is eroding all the development gains made in the municipality over the years.

He concluded with an appeal to the government to increase its efforts in ensuring peace through meaningful dialogue, instead of relying solely on military presence. He also encouraged media outlets, religious institutions, and civil society to continue advocating for reconciliation and reporting constructively on peacebuilding efforts in Bawku.

"The people of Bawku deserve peace, just like every other Ghanaian. Let us all play our part to restore hope and unity. Let us not wait for more blood to be spilt before we act," he said solemnly.

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