Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential candidate for election 2024, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed concern about the recurring conflict in the Upper East Region town of Bawku.

According to him, Ghana has generally been peaceful, and that position must not be eroded by the continuous instability in Bawku.

Addressing the overlord of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Zugran Naba Asigri Abugrago Azorka II and his elders at his palace on Tuesday, December 12, he stated that the nation cannot be successful in its quest to eradicate poverty and bring development to the people of Bawku in an atmosphere of conflict. 

“God willing as president, I will maintain Ghana’s status as a very peaceful nation. Your Majesty, as a son of the North, I’m very pained by the conflict we have in Bawku between Kusasis and Mamprusis,” he said.

According to Dr Bawumia, the conflict has led to needless loss of lives and disruption of economic activities and development in Bawku.

He said Kusasis and the Mamprusis are one people, who have inter-married for years and share similar languages.

“I believe that it is possible to have peace and harmony between Kusasis and Mprusis in Bawku. You have tasked me to make sure that happens and I will work towards that, it is possible.”

The Vice President clarified that Ghana's constitution sets out clear guidelines for the resolution of chieftaincy disputes through the House of Chiefs and the Supreme Court.

He noted that fighting and killing each other can never resolve chieftaincy disputes, emphasising that under the constitution, no government can impose a solution or use force to settle chieftaincy disputes.

“As president, by the grace of God, I shall uphold and defend the constitution of the Republic of Ghana and ensure that the state of Ghana is peaceful and secure,” Dr Bawumia said.

The Vice President was accompanied by the Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hajia Lariba Abudu, National Chairman of the NPP, Stephen Ayesu Ntim and some regional executives, as well as some Deputy Ministers, MPs and stalwarts of the NPP.