President Nana Akufo-Addo has expressed deep personal regret over the ongoing conflict in Bawku, describing it as a matter of great distress despite his government's efforts to address the issue.

Speaking during his final State of the Nation Address to Parliament, the President acknowledged that resolving chieftaincy disputes has been a priority during his tenure.

He highlighted the resolution of the long-standing Dagbon conflict as a significant achievement, calling it one of the "highwater marks" of his presidency.

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However, he admitted that the unresolved and escalating conflict in Bawku in the Upper East Region tempers the pride he takes in resolving other chieftaincy disputes.

“It is a matter of great regret and distress to me personally that, in spite of our best efforts, the Bawku conflict remains unresolved,” he lamented.

The President also noted that Bawku is not the only area experiencing chieftaincy disputes, stating that such conflicts have become a growing source of insecurity in Ghana.

He warned that addressing these disputes will require sustained attention and effort.

“Bawku is, unhappily, not the only area of chieftaincy conflict, and, judging from the experience of other parts of the country, I will have to mark chieftaincy as a growing source of insecurity that would continue to require a lot of attention,” he stated.

To address these challenges, President Akufo-Addo underscored the importance of strengthening the capacities of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, as well as the National Peace Council.

These institutions, he explained, are crucial to resolving chieftaincy disputes and ensuring peace across the nation.

Despite the challenges, the President reaffirmed his commitment to fostering peace and stability, expressing hope that sustained efforts will eventually bring an end to the Bawku conflict and other chieftaincy-related disputes.