National Chief Imam condemns violence in Bawku, calls for de-escalation and national unity

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has strongly condemned the recent violent disturbances in Bawku, including the arson attack on a police station, the killing of peacekeeping personnel, and the shooting at the vehicle of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) by armed youth.

In a press statement issued on April 18, 2025, the Islamic leader described the incident involving the IGP’s convoy as “an assault on the authority of the state,” and denounced it as “a misbehaviour that is NOT entertained in civilised democratic societies.” He further referred to the act as “disgusting impunity.”

The statement comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the conflict-ridden Bawku municipality, where chieftaincy disputes have led to renewed outbreaks of violence, threatening the peace and stability of the area. His Eminence urged the feuding factions to “silence the guns and allow the restoration of normalcy to the area.”

While expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and destruction of public property, the Chief Imam commended the Government of Ghana for entrusting the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with the responsibility of mediating the long-standing chieftaincy conflict. According to the statement, “He commends the Government for referring the dispute to His Majesty Asantehene Osei Tutu II for mediation.”

The revered religious leader also offered to support the peace process through discreet diplomacy. “The Grand Imam, however, expresses his readiness to engage in behind-the-scenes diplomacy, if the need arises, to enhance the quality of the mediation process,” the statement read.

Touching on the role of political actors, His Eminence cautioned against the politicisation of the Bawku crisis, warning that national security should not become fodder for partisan point-scoring. “But when a matter of national security implications is subjected to needless partisan politicisation, it can easily become a tribute to violence entrepreneurs,” he warned.

He further urged the media to be “ethical, peace-loving, reconciliatory, and unifying” in their reportage, and advised against “jaundiced analyses that have the potential to inflame passions.”

In a symbolic spiritual gesture, the Chief Imam instructed all Imams across the country to “dedicate portions of their Friday Sermons to and offer special prayers for peace in Bawku in the next few weeks.”

His final appeal was a call for de-escalation, reconciliation, and unity among the people of the Bawku traditional area, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or political affiliations. “He calls for de-escalation, reconciliation, and unification in the Bawku traditional area irrespective of the ethnic, religious, and political affiliations of the people,” the statement concluded.