Two prominent groups in the Kusaug Traditional Area, the Kusaug People’s Congress (KPC) and the Kusaug Youth Movement (KYM), have jointly petitioned the government, accusing President John Dramani Mahama of failing to fulfill his 2024 campaign promises to resolve the protracted Bawku conflict.
The groups contend that the President’s assurances to restore peace in the conflict-prone area played a major role in the overwhelming support he received from Kusaug voters during the 2024 general elections.
The petition, addressed to six District Chief Executives and the Municipal Chief Executive in the Kusaug area, calls for the immediate arrest of Seidu Abagri, described by the groups as a rival chief whose actions they believe are fueling tensions.
According to the petitioners, no amount of curfews or increased security deployments will end the violence unless Abagri is apprehended.
Speaking on behalf of the KPC, Rev. Prof. John Azumah stated that the people of Kusaug feel “abandoned and betrayed” by the state due to what he described as the government’s inaction, conflicting signals, and alleged complicity in prolonging the crisis.
“The state has turned a blind eye to the root causes of the conflict. The continued presence of Seidu Abagri, despite our calls for justice, undermines peace efforts in the region,” Prof. Azumah emphasized.
Both the KPC and KYM urged the government to take their petition seriously and implement concrete measures to address the underlying issues driving the Bawku conflict. They also called for a renewed commitment to peacebuilding and justice in the Kusaug Traditional Area.
The Bawku conflict, which has persisted for decades, is rooted in chieftaincy disputes and ethnic tensions that have led to intermittent violence, loss of lives, and displacement of residents.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
