Bawku indigenes in Ashanti sign peace pact to stop conflict spreading to Kumasi
Indigenes of Bawku residing in the Ashanti Region have signed a peace pact aimed at preventing the deadly Kusaasi–Mamprusi conflict from spilling over into Kumasi.
The mediation, led by the Ashanti Regional Security Council, followed recent violent shootings in Asawase and Asokore Mampong that claimed two lives, including that of a local chief, sparking widespread concern across the region.
Security sources warn that the long-running ethnic conflict in Bawku, in the Upper East Region, poses a real risk of igniting chaos in Kumasi if not swiftly contained.
While an Asantehene-led committee continues to pursue lasting peace in Bawku itself, regional authorities are working to prevent clashes among migrants from the area living in Ashanti.
A seven-member mediation team, made up of senior officials from key security agencies, engaged the Kusaasi and Mamprusi factions separately before bringing them together in a joint session.
The process culminated in the symbolic signing of a peace pact at the Ashanti Regional Police Command on Thursday.
Head of Public Relations at the Command, DSP Godwin Ahianyo, described the agreement as a vital step to protect lives and maintain stability.
He explained that the pact followed days of dialogue between the groups, adding that both sides had agreed to peaceful coexistence.
Leaders of the two factions in the Ashanti Region pledged their commitment to peace.
The Vice-Chairman of the Mamprusi Youth Association, Tufeiru, and the Chairman of the Kusasi Chiefs Association, Naaba Winyellesom Ndeego, assured that they would counsel their followers and ensure the Bawku conflict is not imported into Kumasi.
“Today’s meeting was to sign a peace agreement between the Mamprusis and the Kusasis, and we have done so. We have been tasked to advise our people to see each other as brothers and sisters,” he said.
Security agencies have urged both groups to provide timely information to law enforcement to help prevent further violence and sustain the fragile peace.
