Bawku: Death toll rises to 17

A young man, identified as Tahiru Danbala, has been confirmed dead in the latest outbreak of violence in Bawku in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Danbala, a local Forex Bureau trader, was travelling between communities within Bawku when he was fatally caught in the crossfire of a gun battle that erupted in the area.

This incident raises the death toll to 17, including seven women, since the conflict re-emerged last Friday. The ongoing violence has forced the closure of schools and major businesses, as the escalating tension poses a threat to lives and livelihoods. The long-standing Bawku conflict reignited following the return of a rival chief, Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who had been in exile.

His return, coupled with recent ambushes targeting travellers, has led to an upsurge in violent clashes, resulting in at least eight additional fatalities and numerous injuries in recent days. In response, the Ministry of the Interior declared a curfew effective Monday, October 28, 2024, restricting movement from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

This decision followed an emergency meeting led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and National Security officials, who emphasized the need for heightened security measures to restore peace in Bawku.

By: Christopher Kevin Asima