By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has drafted additional soldiers to the northeastern region of the country where conflict had erupted over chieftaincy struggle, fuelling violent attacks that have affected schools, a presidential spokesperson said.
The chieftaincy conflict in Bawku dates back decades, and has remained one of Ghana’s most protracted ethnic flash points, often resulting in violent clashes and loss of lives.
It is rooted in a dispute between the Mamprusi and Kusaasi ethnic groups over who can appoint a chief in the area.
Mediation efforts by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, known as the Asantehene, Ghana’s most revered traditional ruler, had “almost brought finality to the conflict” but recent killings have “necessitated drastic actions” to control it, presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said in his statement on Sunday.
Violence in the area last week resulted in the killing of a Kusaasi chief as well as three high school students by gunmen who stormed their campuses, local media reports say.
The presidential spokesperson did not disclose how many additional soldiers are being deployed to the area, bordering the neighbouring Burkina Faso.
Some soldiers were already present in the area, but officials have not disclosed details.
In a separate statement, Ofosu said a curfew would be in place from 1400 GMT until 0600 GMT “until further notice”.
He said the measure would help restore order and facilitate the evacuation of students.
