Bawku conflict: Kusasi MPs accuse soldiers of killing six, burning Zugraan statue
Members of Parliament representing the six Kusasi-majority constituencies in the Upper East Region have accused the Ghana Armed Forces of killing six civilians and injuring more than 20 others in Bawku during what they described as an unprovoked attack.
At a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the MPs, led by Tempane MP, Madam Akanvariva Lydia Lamisi, read a joint statement on behalf of their colleagues and Kusasi opinion leaders, condemning what they called “banditry” by soldiers stationed in Bawku under the government’s peacekeeping operation.
According to the MPs, the incident occurred on Sunday, July 13, 2025, after unknown gunmen allegedly opened fire on a vehicle and its escort in the conflict-prone municipality.
They claimed that in response to the attack, soldiers launched a violent assault on civilians, leading to six deaths, injuries to over 20 others, and widespread destruction of property.
They also alleged that some of the soldiers looted shops, seized large amounts of money, and destroyed cultural property, including pulling down and burning the statue of Zugraan Abugrago Azoka II, the recognised chief of the Kusasi people.
“What was the point in the destruction of the statue of our overlord?” Madam Lamisi asked. “What security threat did the statue pose and what threat does the destruction solve?”
The MPs included Mr Mahama Ayariga (Bawku Central), Mr Ebenezer Alumire Ndebilla (Zebilla), Mr Anabah Thomas Winsum (Garu), Mr Mahmoud Issifu (Binduri), and Madam Laadi Ayii Ayamba (Pusiga).
They reaffirmed their support for Zugraan Abugrago Azoka II, whom they described as the legitimate chief of Bawku since April 1984.
The statement described the military’s actions as part of what they see as a pattern of hostility towards Kusasis, recalling past incidents in Garu and Tempane.
The MPs demanded that those responsible be held accountable and called for a complete review of the military’s operations in the area.
They made the following demands: a formal apology from the Ghana Armed Forces to Zugraan Azoka II and the people of Bawku, a full investigation and prosecution of any soldiers found culpable, compensation for the victims and their families, reconstruction of the destroyed statue, and an overhaul of military strategy in the area to prioritise intelligence-led operations.
“The Ghana Armed Forces must adopt proper intelligence gathering to address security threats,” the MPs stated. “They only succeed in killing and maiming innocent people without addressing the root cause.”
The statement ended with a call for national dialogue and support for peaceful mediation of the long-running Bawku chieftaincy dispute. The MPs said lasting peace would only be possible through justice and respectful engagement.
“We pray that the government will restore the cordial, peaceful relations that once existed between us,” Madam Lamisi said.
