President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a five-member committee to oversee the implementation of the GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund, aimed at supporting infrastructure and other development priorities in Bawku and surrounding districts.
The fund was announced following the prolonged ethnic conflict in the area, which has resulted in the destruction of property, disrupted economic activities and several deaths.
The committee is chaired by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. Its other members are the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga; His Royal Majesty Cletus Abugri, Chief of Tempane; Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga; and the Member of Parliament for Garu, Dr. Thomas Winsum Anabah.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Jubilee House, President Mahama said the improved security situation in Bawku had created an opportunity for government to begin implementing the revitalisation programme.
He recalled receiving the report of the Otumfuo Mediation Committee on December 16, 2025, when he declared that the issue of Bawku would be resolved through the lawful processes provided by the Constitution and the country’s laws.
President Mahama commended the security services for their efforts to restore calm to the area. According to him, Bawku is now safer and quieter, with a significant reduction in gunshots and the killings that had previously occurred with impunity.
He said the GH¢1 billion allocation would be used to provide infrastructure and address other development needs identified by the committee, with benefits extending to several districts within the Bawku area.
President Mahama said the government’s objective was to help Bawku regain its former status as a major commercial centre in Ghana. He noted that the conflict had disrupted development and made it difficult for government to deploy national service personnel and medical workers to the area.
The President cited the Tamne Dam project, which he said had stalled after an employee of the contractor was killed, forcing the company to withdraw from the area. He expressed hope that the improved security situation would allow such development projects to resume.
President Mahama said the revitalisation programme would enable Bawku and surrounding communities to receive their fair share of national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Bawku Naba, His Royal Majesty Cletus Abugri said the conflict had brought infrastructure development and social activities in Bawku to a standstill, leaving the town a “pale shadow of itself.”
He expressed confidence that the GH¢1 billion investment, coupled with proper coordination, would help restore Bawku to its former glory. The Tempane Chief reaffirmed the commitment of the traditional authorities to peace, stressing that “peace before development.”
He also invited President Mahama to Bawku to formally mark the commencement of projects under the revitalisation programme.
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