President Akufo-Addo has said he is determined to end the conflict in Bawku and bring lasting peace to the area following renewed clashes over the weekend.

Speaking in a meeting at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, January 25 with the Bawku Naaba, Asigri Azorka Abugraogo and elders in the area, the President appealed to the chiefs to cooperate with the government for a lasting solution to the impasse.

He said the resources spent in maintaining law and order in Bawku could be used to develop the area.

“I’m happy that the Bawku Naaba and his elders were able to honour my invitation to come and talk to me about what is going on in Bawku… I know fully well the nature of the decision that the Supreme Court took over the Bawku chieftaincy conflict… I am hoping that the Bawku Naaba will also find a way to cooperate with the government to bring peace to the area. The monies we spent on security in Bawku could be used to develop the place. So I asked for you here so that we can find a way to work towards bringing peace and calm and understanding to Bawku,” he said.

Last Sunday, four persons were killed including a police officer in the renewed chieftaincy violence in the Bawku municipality while others sustained various injuries.

The incident led to the ban on riding motorbikes in the Municipality by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

The recent clashes could be traced back to disturbing reports of gunshots in the early hours of Monday, December 27, 2021, which resulted in the loss of lives and property destruction in the area.

Subsequently, a curfew was placed on the entire township as well as a ban on smock-wearing.