Enforcement of Regulation and Order in Bawku Non-Negotiable: Asiedu Nketia

Introduction

The quest for sustainable peace in the Bawku Traditional Area has received a renewed call to action from Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Speaking at the 2025 Samanpiid Festival in the Upper East Region of Ghana, Asiedu Nketia emphasized that the enforcement of regulation and order is non-negotiable. This article explores the critical intersection of traditional authority, the rule of law, and community reconciliation in resolving the long-standing Bawku conflict. We will analyze the statements made by key stakeholders, including Asiedu Nketia and peace expert Emmanuel Bombande, and provide practical advice on how inclusivity and impartial governance can foster lasting stability in the region.

Key Points

Background

To understand the weight of Asiedu Nketia’s statements, one must understand the context of the Bawku conflict and the Samanpiid Festival. Bawku, a town in the Upper East Region, has experienced intermittent chieftaincy and ethnic conflicts over the years, primarily between the Kusaug and Mamprusi ethnic groups. These conflicts have often necessitated heavy military presence and curfews, disrupting commerce and education.

The Samanpiid Festival

The Samanpiid Festival is a significant cultural event for the Kusaug people. It is an annual post-harvest thanksgiving celebration dedicated to God and ancestral spirits for a successful farming season and protection. Historically, the festival was celebrated separately by different Kusaas clans at the extended family level. However, a pivotal shift occurred in 1987 when all Kusaas clans unified to celebrate Samanpiid as a centralized festival. This unification marked a significant step in consolidating the identity and administrative structure of the Kusaug Traditional Area, making it an ideal venue for discussing regional peace.

Analysis

The statements made by Johnson Asiedu Nketia and Emmanuel Bombande offer a comprehensive framework for resolving the Bawku impasse. Their analysis moves beyond simple ceasefire agreements to address the structural roots of the conflict.

The Rule of Law vs. Security Interventions

Asiedu Nketia posits that while security presence is necessary, it is insufficient for long-term peace. He argues that enforcement of regulation and order must be “certified, honest, and impartial.” This suggests that past security operations may have been viewed with skepticism by certain community factions. True peace can only be achieved when the rule of law is respected because the legal system is perceived as fair to all parties, regardless of their ethnic or political affiliations.

Inclusivity and Minority Rights

A central theme in Asiedu Nketia’s speech is the protection of minority rights. He stated, “The recognition of the Kusaug authority in Bawku must not be interpreted to mean the extinguishing of the rights of other minority ethnic groups.” This is a vital legal and social principle. In chieftaincy disputes, the dominance of one group often leads to the marginalization of others. By using the analogy of the human body—where the head (Kusaug) and the legs (other groups) are both essential—Asiedu Nketia advocates for a holistic approach to governance where inclusiveness is the key to national stability.

The Role of Traditional Leadership

The NDC Chairman placed significant responsibility on the Zugraan, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the Overlord of Kusaug. He noted that peace efforts cannot succeed without the guidance and leadership of the Zugraan. However, this leadership must extend beyond the Kusaas ethnic group to protect all inhabitants of Bawku. This highlights the evolving role of traditional leaders in modern governance, where they must act as bridge-builders rather than just ethnic figureheads.

Validation of the Otumfuo Mediation

Peace and security expert Emmanuel Bombande added a layer of validation to the government’s approach by praising the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II mediation process. The Asantehene’s involvement provided a neutral and respected platform for dialogue. Bombande’s call for the implementation of these recommendations indicates that the solutions exist; the challenge lies in their execution. His statement, “We have all won,” reframes the peace process from a zero-sum game to a collective victory for the nation.

Practical Advice

Based on the insights from the Samanpiid Festival, stakeholders, community leaders, and citizens can adopt several practical strategies to support peace in Bawku.

1. Support for Community-Led Reconciliation

While government and security forces play a role, sustainable peace is often built at the grassroots level. Community members should actively participate in traditional mediation sessions. This involves respecting the decisions of elders and participating in forums that allow for the airing of grievances in a controlled, non-violent environment.

2. Leveraging Cultural Arts for Peace

Emmanuel Bombande’s suggestion to use music and art is a powerful tool. Local musicians and artists should be encouraged to create content that promotes coexistence and solidarity. Cultural festivals like Samanpiid should be utilized not just for thanksgiving, but as platforms to disseminate peace messages that resonate with the youth.

3. Adherence to the Rule of Law

Citizens must demand and respect the enforcement of regulation and order. This means reporting crimes through legal channels rather than resorting to vigilante justice. It also means holding security agencies accountable to ensure they operate with the impartiality that Asiedu Nketia called for.

4. Protecting Economic Freedom

Conflict destroys livelihoods. Traders and farmers from all ethnic groups should be encouraged to resume economic activities. The government must ensure that the market squares and business centers in Bawku are safe for all, reinforcing the concept that peace is economically beneficial for everyone.

FAQ

Conclusion

The message from the 2025 Samanpiid Festival is clear: peace in Bawku is a shared responsibility that requires the non-negotiable enforcement of regulation and order. Johnson Asiedu Nketia’s advocacy for impartial governance, combined with Emmanuel Bombande’s support for the Otumfuo mediation, outlines a viable path forward. The solution lies in a delicate balance—honoring the authority of the Zugraan while fiercely protecting the rights of minorities. By embracing inclusivity and adhering to the rule of law, the people of Bawku can transform their cultural unity into lasting political and social stability.