The umbrella body representing four political districts in the Upper East Region—Bolgatanga Municipal, Nabdam, Talensi, and Bongo—collectively known as BONABOTO, has issued a stern warning to factions involved in the Bawku conflict, cautioning that their generosity and hospitality must not be mistaken for weakness.
This warning follows the recent tragic killings of a pharmacist and a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) officer, incidents the group described as dangerous indicators of the conflict spilling over into otherwise peaceful BONABOTO communities.
At an emergency meeting held on June 18, 2025, the Traditional Councils, Tindaama, Assembly Members, youth groups, and civil society organizations within BONABOTO voiced strong concern over the escalating insecurity fueled by retaliatory attacks and armed violence.
The group condemned the violence—particularly incidents in Nangodi and Estates in Tindonmologo, Bolgatanga—calling them a gross breach of peace and security in the region.
In a statement released after the meeting, BONABOTO stakeholders asserted:
“The continued disturbance of peace in the BONABOTO catchment area due to the spillover effects of the Bawku conflict has tested our patience and hospitality to their absolute limit. Despite numerous calls for calm and our demonstrated goodwill as hosts to all residents of our land, these repeated affronts to our peaceful coexistence will no longer be tolerated. Any further violations will be met with decisive action.”
The statement also addressed a recent assault and near-lynching of a young native of Bolgatanga, allegedly carried out by individuals associated with one of the Bawku conflict factions. The attack, which was reportedly a case of mistaken identity, could have sparked widespread retaliatory violence if not for the swift intervention of traditional leaders and key opinion leaders.
BONABOTO reaffirmed its neutrality in the ongoing Bawku chieftaincy dispute, making it clear that the group will not be drawn into taking sides in the protracted conflict.
“We categorically reject any attempts to coerce or pressure us into supporting either faction. We expressly welcome none of such overtures,” the statement emphasized.
Security remains a top concern for the BONABOTO bloc. Leaders revealed that community-level measures have been instituted in collaboration with security agencies to enhance protection for residents. They also appealed to national security agencies to increase patrols and visibility across Bolgatanga and neighboring areas to prevent further incidents.
The statement concluded with a passionate call for peace and collaboration:
“We call upon all well-meaning citizens, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and civil society organizations to support our efforts in maintaining peace while encouraging all parties to the Bawku conflict to seek lasting solutions through dialogue and mediation.”
BONABOTO affirmed that while its communities are committed to peaceful coexistence, they will not hesitate to defend themselves and take decisive action if threats to their safety continue.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
