Former Defense Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, has highlighted the strategic importance of resolving the protracted Bawku conflict, emphasizing its implications for national security and the fight against terrorism.
Speaking on JoyNews in response to former President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Bawku on January 14, 2025, where he assured residents of tight security and efforts to bring the conflict to an end, Mr. Nitiwul stressed the need for urgent action to resolve the crisis.
Mr. Nitiwul explained that Bawku’s location at the northeastern tip of Ghana, bordering Togo and Burkina Faso, places it at a highly sensitive geographic juncture. Both neighboring countries are grappling with security challenges, including the threat of terrorism.
“We all know the difficulties northern Togo and Burkina Faso are facing. We cannot allow any part of our nation to become a weak point for terrorists or undesirable elements to exploit,” he warned.
The Mr. Nitiwul emphasized the interconnectedness of the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups, the main parties involved in the Bawku conflict.
He noted that members of these groups coexist in regions across Ghana, including Ashanti, Greater Accra, Western, and Northern regions.
“This conflict, if not resolved, has the potential to spread across the entire nation, given the close ties and intermingling of the groups involved,” he cautioned.
Bawku’s chieftaincy dispute is one of the longest-standing conflicts in Ghana, second only to the Alavanyo-Nkonya feud.
Mr. Nitiwul underscored the need to bring the issue to a close, drawing parallels with the successful resolution of the Dagbon conflict in Yendi.
“If we could resolve the Yendi crisis, we can resolve Bawku. This matter cannot continue indefinitely,” he stated.
“The security of this nation, particularly the threat of terrorism, rests on how we handle the northern frontiers, and Bawku is at the epicenter of that issue,” he concluded.
Former President Mahama’s visit to Bawku has reignited discussions on how to address the ongoing tensions in the region.
During his visit, he assured residents that the government would intensify security measures and work towards a lasting solution to the conflict.
Bawku crisis: The threat of terrorism rests on how we handle the northern frontiers, and Bawku is at the epicenter of that—Dominic Nitiwul #PMExpress pic.twitter.com/j39N43q0CG
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) January 14, 2025
