President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and accelerating development in Bawku, insisting that adherence to the rule of law remains the only sustainable solution to the long-running conflict.
He made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs at the seat of government, where discussions centred on security, reconciliation, and development challenges in conflict-affected parts of the region.
The President acknowledged that although relative calm is gradually returning to Bawku, the situation remains fragile. He recalled that mediation efforts led by the Otumfuo Committee were initiated under his predecessor, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and were formally handed over to him during the transition.
“As his successor, I was duty-bound to allow that mediation to continue, and I want to thank Otumfuo again for the role he played in mediating the conflict,” President Mahama said.
He expressed concern that violence persisted even during the mediation process, with an estimated 119 lives lost, highlighting the deep-rooted and complex nature of the conflict. According to the President, the mediation initially sought a traditional solution that would allow the feuding parties to accommodate each other, as had been done in the past.
However, when that approach failed to produce consensus, the mediator had no option but to rely on the law. President Mahama noted that the final mediation report clearly outlined the lawful position on the Bawku chieftaincy matter.
“The law is the law,” he stressed, warning that peace cannot be built on ambiguity or selective enforcement of legal decisions. He cautioned that allowing rival claims outside the law would not only destabilise Bawku but could plunge the entire country into chaos.
Drawing comparisons with other chieftaincy disputes, the President cited the Bolgatanga chieftaincy case, which has been settled by the Judicial Committee. He maintained that once such bodies deliver rulings, they must be implemented without resistance.
“No individual has the authority to reject lawful rulings and impose themselves as rival chiefs,” he said, adding that such actions undermine governance and social order.
President Mahama further noted that similar disputes have occurred in other parts of the country, including Sampa and Sunyani, particularly following the death of long-reigning chiefs. He added that land and boundary disputes also continue to fuel tensions in many communities nationwide.
In all cases, he emphasised, violence only deepens divisions and delays lasting solutions.
“We no longer live in the jungle where it’s survival of the fittest,” he said. “You can fight as long as you want; it will not solve the issue. We must always go by the law, arbitration, or mediation. Those are the only options left to us.”
He cautioned that armed conflict between ethnic groups cannot eliminate any community and only leads to needless loss of life. He also reminded the gathering that modern international law prohibits genocide and that perpetrators of such crimes would be held accountable.
Welcoming the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, President Mahama described the visit as symbolic, likening it to parents checking on a son who has moved into a new home. He expressed gratitude for the support, prayers, and blessings he received from traditional leaders during the election campaign, noting their crucial role in mobilising communities.
The President reaffirmed his government’s recognition of chiefs as key partners in governance, conflict resolution, and local development. He commended them for their efforts in maintaining peace and assured them of continued collaboration and support to improve their working conditions.
According to him, only sustained peace, mutual respect, and strict adherence to the law will ensure development and prosperity for the people of Bawku and the wider Upper East Region.
