Don’t Politicise Bawku Conflict – Mahama Ayariga Appeals to Nitiwul

Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has urged fellow lawmakers and commentators to avoid politicising the ongoing conflict in Bawku, citing the sensitivity and historical depth of the issue.

Addressing Parliament during the Mid-Year Budget debate, Mr. Ayariga responded to comments by Dominic Nitiwul, former Defence Minister and NPP MP for Bimbilla, who had accused the government of failing to provide adequate funding and logistical support to the military to effectively address the crisis in Bawku.

Mr. Nitiwul had also challenged Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s claim that 3,500 motorbikes had been distributed to security agencies as part of the government’s support.

In his response, Mahama Ayariga called for restraint, saying: “I have refrained from commenting on Bawku… I beg you, let’s not politicise Bawku… Let’s be mindful of the fragile security situation.”

He emphasized that the conflict, which dates back to 1957, is far too complex and volatile to be used for partisan advantage, and assured the House that the government is committed to securing lasting peace in the area.

His comments come amid rising tensions linked to the ethnic violence in Bawku, following recent killings that have sparked national concern—including the murder of a Kusasi chief in Kumasi’s Asawase and the shooting of two students at Nalerigu SHS by unidentified assailants. Both incidents have been linked to the Bawku conflict.