The Catholic Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga has made a passionate appeal to the government to implement urgent, decisive, and comprehensive measures to restore peace in conflict-affected parts of the Upper East and North East Regions. The call comes in response to escalating violence, which has deeply unsettled communities, disrupted education, and stretched local security and development efforts to their limits.
In a press statement signed by Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of the Diocese, and addressed to the media and key government agencies, the Church expressed grave concern over the rising insecurity in areas such as Bawku, Binduri, Naniik, Ngamah-Gberuk, and, more recently, Nalerigu. “Since March 2025, the Diocese has observed a surge in violent incidents,” the statement noted, adding that these incidents have severely impacted communities and educational institutions.
The press release highlighted disturbing developments, including attacks on security personnel and the recent killing of three students by unknown gunmen at Bawku Senior High School in the Upper East Region and Nalerigu Senior High School in the North East Region. The Diocese also condemned the killing of a military officer in Bawku and the murder of two people in Asawase in the Ashanti Region, which has been allegedly linked to the Bawku conflict. “These attacks have sown fear, deepened hopelessness, and derailed socio-economic activities in vulnerable communities,” the Diocese said, warning that the situation threatens to worsen poverty and underdevelopment in the two regions.
The Diocese extended its condolences to affected families and acknowledged ongoing government efforts and the mediation process led by the Asantehene. However, it stressed that “urgent, drastic measures with coordinated efforts, and sustained action are required to restore calm and enable long-term development in the region.”
The Church further appealed to the Ghana Education Service to be proactive in responding to early warning signs in schools to avert further escalation. “The Ghana Education Service should, as a matter of urgency, build the capacities of key staff to identify, monitor, and respond to early warning signals in their schools,” the statement emphasized. It also called for psychosocial support for public service staff working in conflict zones.
In its detailed appeal, the Diocese urged traditional authorities to demonstrate resilience in conflict resolution, civil society organizations and peace actors to unite in promoting social cohesion, and religious leaders to continue praying for peace. The Diocese also called on the feuding parties to fully commit to non-violent mediation led by the Asantehene.
“War and violence are always a defeat and have never provided any lasting solution for peace,” Bishop Agyenta stressed, adding that true peace requires collective will, dialogue, and intentional reconciliation. “The Diocese remains steadfast in praying for God’s healing and inner peace for all victims and affected families, and urges every stakeholder to play a role in restoring hope to the region,” the statement concluded.
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