Private legal practitioner Godwin Edudzi Tamekloe has condemned the recent surge of violence linked to the Bawku conflict.

He emphasises the need to differentiate between criminal acts and legitimate chieftaincy disputes, as tensions escalate in the region.

The backdrop to this urgent call comes after a series of tragic events, including the shocking fatal shooting of a student at Bawku Secondary School and the murder of a Kusasi chief in the Ashanti Region. Two students from the Nalerigu Senior High School were also shot and killed in reprisal attacks.

“When you carry a gun or a machete and you go to a secondary school and discharge that firearm into a school, thereby fatally wounding a student, that is not a chieftaincy dispute. That is a crime,” Mr Tamekloe, the legal affairs director of the NDC and CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), stated, underlining the severity of the situation.

While acknowledging that the chieftaincy matter is actively being addressed by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, he firmly denounced the violent acts associated with the conflict.

“To mount a motorbike and kill a man in his house—it’s not a chieftaincy dispute but a crime. So the people who are engaged in those conduct are criminals. Pure and simple,” he asserted during a TV3 discussion on Monday, July 28.

Mr Tamekloe expressed his support for the government's actions, commending the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Coordinator, the Minister for Defence, and the Minister for the Interior for their dedication to restoring peace in Bawku.

However, he warned of troubling trends suggesting an effort to extend the conflict beyond its current boundaries.

“Look, it is obvious that some people are trying so hard to, as it were, export the conflict beyond that enclave into the Ashanti Region. It does appear that there are some people who are not happy that there will be peace in those areas,” he explained.

This sentiment is echoed by rising statistics: Ghana’s crime reports indicate a 15% increase in violent incidents in the northern regions over the past year, making the need for comprehensive security measures more urgent than ever.

Lawyer Tamekloe cautioned against the implications of such violence, stating, “Why in God’s name would you want to go and kill in the Ashanti Region, knowing very well that is where Otumfuo is, and he’s leading the resolution of the ongoing chieftaincy dispute?” He highlighted that these actions are not only criminal but also attempts to undermine the peacebuilding efforts of the Asantehene.

In response to claims circulating on social media that link President John Dramani Mahama to the violence, Tamakloe firmly rejected such notions, asserting that Mahama is committed to peace and neutrality. “I’ve seen some mischief on social media by our friends in the NPP… Are you really interested in peace in that community?” he questioned, advocating for unity among all Ghanaians.

He stressed the deep familial connections between the Kusasis and Mamprusis, arguing that divisions are artificial.

“Kusasi and Mamprusi—I know and have personal friends who share both parentage from one side or the other,” he shared, emphasising the importance of recognising shared heritage.

Mr Tamekloe urged all Ghanaians to play a role in ending the violence.

He referenced several recent incidents, including the vandalism of the North East Regional Minister's vehicle and the murder of the Upper East National Health Insurance Authority boss, as evidence of the insecurity plaguing the region.

“Why are we doing this to ourselves?” he lamented.

Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic that under President Mahama's leadership, the conflict can be resolved.

“Under the watch of President Mahama, the commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, this matter will be dealt with. And I’m very confident that with the support of God and with the support of the citizens of this country, there will be finality,” he concluded.

Mr Tamekloe called for collective support for the Asantehene's peace efforts, urging everyone to contribute towards achieving lasting peace in the Bawku enclave.

“I think we must all support Nana Asantehene in all the efforts that he’s put in place to ensure that we get peace—a lasting peace—for the people within the Bawku enclave.”