Security consultant Prof Kwesi Aning argues that the ongoing conflict in Bawku has evolved beyond simple ethnic tensions and chieftaincy disputes, now being fueled primarily by organized crime and transnational networks. He made these remarks on JoyNews AM Show, emphasizing the complexity of the situation.
“It is assumed and widely believed that the events in Bawku are fundamentally a dispute between two social groupings. But I agree that it has gone beyond these two categories. Additionally, it has transcended chieftaincy concerns”, Prof. Aning added.
He claimed that in order to achieve their own goals, criminal networks had taken advantage of current tensions between ethnic groups and traditional authority. Criminal activity and a multinational network are the main forces behind what we are seeing in Bawku right now. To achieve their goals, these criminal organizations exploit ideas of ethnicity, ethnic identity, and long-standing misgivings about chieftaincy,” he said.
While refraining from providing specific details due to the sensitive nature of the information, Prof. Aning stressed the significant role these criminal groups are playing. He also criticized the simplistic narrative that frames the conflict solely as an ethnic or chieftaincy issue, warning that such a view can exacerbate the violence. “The argument that it is simply an ethnic or chieftaincy issue is false. It does not help the situation at all. In fact, it may even exacerbate tensions, which are already at a breaking point,” he stated.
Professor Aning also pointed to the government’s inability to effectively address the crisis due to a lack of resources and strategic planning. “I can assure you that the situation is a delicate one, on the verge of becoming a scorched-earth policy. We do not have the necessary resources or the strong foundation to resolve this effectively. There is a need for more strategic focus, and without that, the crisis will only deepen,” he said.
He concluded with a stark assessment, stating, “That I can tell you, and we cannot calm the conflict. We don’t have the resources, we don’t have the backbone.”
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Background Of Bawku Conflict
The conflict in Bawku is a longstanding issue rooted in historical tensions, competition over resources, and political rivalries between the Kusasis and Mamprusis ethnic groups. While clashes have occurred unpredictably over time, the conflict intensified in the 1990s due to political reasons, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) exacerbating prevailing ethnic tensions. Violent clashes, armed attacks, arson, and revenge killings have characterized the conflict, involving vigilante youth groups such as the Kusasi Youth Association (KYA) and the Mamprusi Youth Association (MAYA).
The Bawku region has been plagued by violent conflicts (Longi, 2014), stemming from a complex interplay of factors. Key drivers include land disputes, chieftaincy disagreements, political power struggles, widening poverty gaps, and competition for limited resources. Inherent issues such as high poverty levels, youth unemployment, and insufficient access to education and healthcare also contribute to the ongoing conflict (Yaro & Ngmenkpieo, 2020). Despite continuous efforts to resolve the conflict, involving community leaders, state officials, and civil society organizations (Issifu & Bukari, 2022), peace remains elusive. Mediation, peace-building initiatives, the formation of peace committees, inter-ethnic forums, and the deployment of security forces (Yaro & Ngmenkpieo, 2020; Issifu & Bukari, 2022) have proven insufficient to quell the unrest. Tragically, the conflict has recently intensified, leading to further loss of life and property.
