Stories and facts
Bawku, the capital of the Bawku Municipal District in Ghana's Upper East Region, is located near the border with Burkina Faso.
Positioned between latitudes 11°11' and 10°40' North, and longitudes 0°18' West and 0°6' East, Bawku spans approximately 257 square kilometers.
Established under Legislative Instrument (L.I) 2103, the municipality had a population of 119,458 as of the 2021 census. Hon. Ayariga Mahama currently represents the Bawku Central Constituency in Parliament.
Cultural and Tourist Attractions
Naa Gbewaa Shrine
Located a few kilometers from Bawku in Pusiga, the Naa Gbewaa Shrine holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. It is believed to be the final resting place of Naa Gbewaa, the legendary founder of the Mamprusi, Dagomba, and Nanumba tribes.
Legend claims that Naa Gbewaa never died but vanished into the ground. The shrine, thought to have been established in the 14th century, remains a revered site for spiritual reflection and cultural identity.
Bawku Chieftaincy Conflict
The Bawku chieftaincy conflict has been a source of persistent unrest. In 2023, the enskinment of Mr. Seidu Abagre as Bawku Naba by the Nayire of Nalerigu sparked disputes, leading to his exile shortly after his installation.
On October 22, 2024, the Ghanaian Ministry of Interior imposed a curfew from 10 PM to 4 AM in the Bawku Municipality, citing rising tensions. A ban on carrying arms, ammunition, or offensive weapons was also enforced. The curfew was extended on October 28, 2024, following continued unrest.
2024 Violence and Security Concerns
On October 28, 2024, a deadly attack on the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi claimed the lives of eight travelers. Armed assailants reportedly set up roadblocks, questioned passengers, and torched two vehicles during an hour-long assault.
The incident heightened concerns about the region's security and was linked to the ongoing chieftaincy conflict in Bawku.
Political figures and security analysts expressed alarm over the rising death toll. On November 3, 2024, Hassan Ayariga, the Presidential Candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), highlighted the conflict’s potential to disrupt the 2024 elections. Ayariga urged the government to intervene and called on community leaders to champion peace.
Further violence on November 15, 2024, resulted in the deaths of three more people, reflecting the deteriorating security situation. The conflict has disrupted daily life in Bawku, forcing schools and businesses to shut down, while fears of further escalation linger.
Bawku, with its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, remains overshadowed by persistent chieftaincy disputes.
While the Naa Gbewaa Shrine symbolizes unity and legacy, the ongoing conflict underscores the need for reconciliation and sustainable peace in the region.
The government's intervention and collaboration with local leaders are critical to restoring stability and safeguarding the town's future.
