Correcting the Misleading Claims of a 40-Year Reign in Bawku: A Call for Truth and Peace

In recent discussions about the Bawku chieftaincy, a prevalent claim among many Kusasis is that Asigri Aninchema ABUGRAGO Azoka II has ruled Bawku for 40 years. However, this statement is factually inaccurate and deserves correction. The Kusasis who hold this view seem to either be deliberately misleading their people, operating under a delusion, or simply failing to perform basic calculations.

Let’s begin by looking at the historical timeline of Bawku’s traditional rulers. The first Bawku Naaba, Naa Ali Atabiya Muu, was enskinned in 1721, more than 300 years ago. Since then, 14 chiefs have ruled Bawku. Dividing those 300 years by 14 chiefs gives an average reign of over 21 years per chief. To illustrate further, the 5th Bawku Naaba, Naa Mahama Mahamadu Satim, ruled for 64 years from 1765 to 1829. Similarly, the 7th Bawku Naaba, Naa Mamboda Mahama Tod Bia, ruled for 51 years from 1844 to 1895. These examples alone show that the claim of a 40-year reign by Abugrago Azoka II is not only illogical but also misinformed and irrational.

Additionally, it’s important to note that Abugrago Azoka Aninchema was only officially gazetted around 2020. It is simply laughable to assert that he has ruled for 40 years, especially when considering the actual timeline. During the years in question, there was a sitting Gbanraana, a caretaker chief, in Bawku. The Gbanraana was recognized and even visited by key politicians, including the Ex-President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, who was in power for 8 years, and the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, amongst many. According to Bawku tradition, there cannot be both a chief and a Gbanraana at the same time. The role of the Gbanraana is to manage the affairs of the kingdom after the death of a chief until a new one is enskinned.

The situation in Bawku is well-documented: after the late chief of Bawku passed away, the chieftaincy remained vacant until the enskinnment of Naa Sheriga by the Nayiri. This fact alone should dispel any claims of a 40-year rule by Azoka II. Furthermore, for those still unconvinced, let us recall that the NATIONAL HOUSE OF CHIEFS TRIBUNAL RULING ON THE BAWKU CHIEFTAINCY DISPUTES IN 1983 declared ABUGRAGO Azoka a COMMONER, which is still binding hence rendering the gazetting in 2020 null. By subtracting the year of that declaration from the supposed 40-year reign, or by simply subtracting the gazetting date from 2025, one can clearly see the error in the claim.

As we engage in these debates, let us reflect on the consequences of spreading falsehoods. The ongoing Bawku conflict has already claimed far too many lives. It is vital to refrain from using misleading or provocative statements that only fuel further tensions. Instead of contributing to the fire through deceitful narratives, I urge all factions to seek peaceful resolutions and a lasting end to this conflict. The Bawku community needs healing, not more division.