Security analyst Nana Appiah Owusu has described the recent visit by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to Bawku as a significant and positive step toward restoring calm in the troubled municipality.

Speaking on Bullet TV’s News Night hosted by Nana Yaw Finako (The Speaker), Mr. Owusu said it was commendable that the IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohonu, chose to visit the conflict zone himself rather than rely solely on reports from the ground.

“Given the early days of his tenure and the resurgence of violence in Bawku, his decision to personally assess the situation, engage with his officers, and interact with traditional leaders and the local population must be acknowledged as a mark of commitment and leadership,” the analyst stated.

Bawku has once again been gripped by violent clashes in recent weeks, resulting in multiple deaths, injuries, and the destruction of property. The situation has led to the closure of schools, disruption of essential services, and heightened insecurity in the region.

Mr. Owusu noted that while some sections of the public have cast doubt on the impact of the IGP’s visit, it should be recognized that such high-level engagements carry symbolic and practical importance. 

“The people of Bawku are looking for more than political promises. They want assurance, neutrality, and commitment from the security leadership. What they heard from the IGP largely met those expectations,” he added.

He also cautioned against the politicization of the conflict, indicating that many of the youth on both sides have spoken out against attempts by political actors to use the situation for partisan gains.

“What the people of Bawku want is peace, not politics. Both factions have been vocal about rejecting political interference. Their only remaining hope lies with the security agencies to be neutral, firm, and truthful in restoring law and order,” – Mr. Owusu stressed.

The security analyst urged Ghanaians, particularly media practitioners, to focus on the constructive outcomes of the IGP’s visit rather than feed into narratives that undermine national efforts toward peace.

His comments come on the back of calls by the National Peace Council for calm and a return to dialogue, and recent appeals by Members of Parliament and traditional authorities for a more coordinated response to the conflict.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu 

The National Peace Council (NPC) has issued a passionate appeal for calm and an immediate return to dialogue in the Bawku Municipality and its adjoining communities following recent violent clashes that have claimed lives and destroyed property.

In a statement released on Friday, April 11, 2025, the Council expressed grave concern over the increasing attacks and reprisal actions that have disrupted peace in the area. The Council described the loss of lives and destruction of homes and properties as “unfortunate” and called on all parties involved in the conflict to cease fire immediately.

“The Council unreservedly calls on all the parties to the conflict to cease fire,” the statement read.

The NPC commended the swift response by the Minister of the Interior, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) for their intervention, especially highlighting the IGP’s visit to Bawku with a strong security presence, which has helped restore relative calm.

In addition, the Council extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

ALSO READ: Bawku: Ayariga condemns violence, backs Otumfuo’s peace efforts

As tensions remain high, the Council is urging the feuding factions to support existing peace mechanisms and return to the negotiation table. Specifically, it called on community leaders to embrace ongoing mediation efforts led by the Asantehene, as well as interventions by state and non-state actors aimed at restoring lasting peace to the area.

“The Council further calls on the feuding parties, as a matter of urgency, to encourage their leadership to embrace the mechanisms put in place, including the Asantehene’s mediation process,” it stated.

The Council also appealed to the media and public commentators to exercise restraint and act responsibly in their pronouncements on the matter. Quoting the late Kofi Annan, the Council reminded Ghanaians that, “…the future peace and prosperity that we seek for all the world’s people need a foundation of tolerance, security and justice.”

The Bawku conflict, rooted in a protracted chieftaincy dispute, has seen a resurgence in violence in recent months, raising national concern and prompting widespread calls for decisive action and dialogue.

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The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defense and Interior Committee, Reverend Ntim Fordjour, has called on government to act swiftly to address the escalating violence and insecurity in Bawku and its surrounding communities.

In a strong appeal, Rev. Fordjour described the current situation as dire, with recent attacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated, posing a significant threat to human lives, essential services, and national security.

“Over the past few months, the intensity and frequency of attacks — including sporadic shootings, arson, and home invasions — have escalated alarmingly. The growing use of sophisticated weaponry raises serious concerns about the sources of these arms and the effectiveness of current control measures,” he warned.

He cited disturbing incidents such as the targeted attacks on buses, the burning of homes, and the torching of the residence of Hon. Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central, as evidence of the increasing volatility of the conflict. “These acts reflect deepening frustration among sections of the youth and a dangerous descent into lawlessness,” he added.

ALSO READ: Bawku: Ayariga condemns violence, backs Otumfuo’s peace efforts

Rev. Fordjour stressed that the failure to de-escalate tensions has created a cycle of reprisals that, if unchecked, could entrench long-term insecurity and instability in the region.

Beyond the immediate threat to security, he highlighted the devastating impact of the violence on education, healthcare, and livelihoods. Schools have been forced to close, depriving children of their right to learn, while teachers, nurses, and other professionals have fled the area for fear of their safety.

“The conflict is crippling essential services and deepening the humanitarian crisis. Key institutions and businesses have shut down. Residents are living in constant fear, and the current approach has clearly proven inadequate,” he stated.

Rev. Fordjour called for a more coordinated, comprehensive response that goes beyond military intervention. He urged government to involve traditional authorities, civil society, and community leaders in designing long-term solutions that restore peace, rebuild trust, and protect lives.

“This is not the time for silence or delay. The lives of Ghanaians are at stake, and we must rise to the urgency of the moment,” he concluded.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu