Death Toll in Bawku Conflict May Exceed 20 as Violence Escalates

Renewed chieftaincy clashes in Bawku, in Ghana’s Upper East Region, may have claimed more than 20 lives, according to local residents, though officials currently estimate the death toll at 16. The conflict, which erupted on Thursday night, October 24, 2024, is now in its sixth day, with the security situation deteriorating further.

Reports indicate that the resurgence in violence stems from the return of a newly enskinned chief by one faction involved in the long-standing Bawku conflict. The chief’s installation had initially been deemed illegal, prompting a High Court to issue an arrest warrant. However, the court recently revoked this order, allowing the chief to return, which escalated tensions and ultimately sparked the violent clashes.

The initial outbreak reportedly began with the tragic killing of an 11-year-old girl, followed by multiple fatalities and injuries. At least 20 deaths have been recorded in Bawku, while the conflict has also been linked to a deadly highway attack on the Bolgatanga-Tamale road near Walewale. Unidentified gunmen reportedly blocked the highway, opening fire on travelers, killing eight, and torching vehicles.

The conflict has severely impacted daily life in Bawku, forcing the closure of schools, hospitals, and other public institutions. Shops, markets, and social spaces remain deserted, paralyzing economic activity. In response to the ongoing violence, residents staged protests, with some youth locking the Bawku Municipal Assembly offices on Monday, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to the government to act, and threatening to burn the building if their demands are unmet.

The security forces, including police and military personnel, are currently working to restore calm and protect lives, while a government-imposed curfew has been enforced to help contain the situation. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a group of local women staged a protest, setting tyres ablaze in anger over what they described as a lack of commitment from authorities to resolve the conflict. They expressed despair at the daily toll the violence is taking on their families, livelihoods, and future, as access to farms, education, and healthcare has become nearly impossible.

Despite the intensified security response, eyewitnesses fear the death toll is climbing, with some suggesting as many as 50 lives lost since the clashes resumed last week. The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Hamza Amadu, declined to comment on the ongoing crisis when contacted.