In the Upper East Region of Ghana, the long-standing conflict in Bawku has reignited, leaving a trail of tragedy and disruption in its wake. The latest victim, Tahiru Danbala, a young Forex Bureau trader, lost his life while traveling between communities, caught in a sudden crossfire that underscores the region’s precarious state.
This upsurge in violence has brought the death toll to 17, including seven women, since hostilities resumed last Friday. Schools and businesses have shuttered as safety concerns mount, and daily life has come to a near standstill, with local residents now caught between the fear of violence and the challenges of survival.
The renewed tensions trace back to the return of a rival chieftain, Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who recently ended his exile. His reappearance in Bawku has been accompanied by a rise in targeted attacks, ambushes, and open confrontations, marking a resurgence of old hostilities. In just a matter of days, these clashes have led to at least eight more fatalities, multiple injuries, and a growing sense of unease in the community.
To address the volatile situation, the Ministry of the Interior swiftly imposed a curfew from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM starting Monday, October 28, 2024. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, alongside national security officials, convened an emergency meeting to discuss critical measures aimed at safeguarding lives and restoring stability. Enhanced security operations are being deployed to counter further violence and support the people of Bawku in hopes of a lasting resolution.
