Bishop Alfred Agyenta of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese in Ghana’s Upper East Region has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive measures to combat increasing violence and insecurity in the Upper East and North East regions. The ongoing Bawku chieftaincy conflict has diverted resources away from critical infrastructure and social services, exacerbating the region’s development challenges.
The Diocese, which encompasses both regions, is advocating for immediate and coordinated interventions by government authorities, civil society, and traditional leaders to restore peace, particularly in communities affected by the protracted Bawku conflict.Since March 2025, the Diocese has reported a surge in violent incidents in areas such as Bawku, Binduri, Naniik, Ngamah-Gberuk, and more recently, Nalerigu.
These disturbances have disrupted educational institutions, leading to the indefinite closure of Zuarungu and Gowrie Senior High Schools due to violence that damaged property and interrupted learning.
Additionally, reports of attacks on security personnel, including the killing of a military officer in Bawku and the tragic deaths of three students at Bawku and Nalerigu Senior High Schools, have heightened public anxiety and shaken confidence in local security mechanisms.
The gruesome murder of two individuals in Asawase, allegedly linked to the Bawku conflict, signals an escalation of violence beyond the Diocese, deepening fear and derailing socio-economic activities in vulnerable communities.Bishop Agyenta acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts and the mediation led by the Asantehene.
However, he emphasized the need for urgent, coordinated actions to restore calm and enable long-term development in the region.To this end, Bishop Agyenta proposed nine plans to restore peace and revive the Upper East and North East regions
Decisive Measures: The government must take comprehensive steps to restore peace in affected areas and create a conducive environment for learning in schools.
Professionalism in Security : Security personnel should uphold the highest standards of professionalism while maintaining law and order.
Timely Responses from the Ghana Education Service : The Ghana Education Service must train key staff to identify and respond to early warning signals in schools to prevent escalations.
Psychosocial Support: The government should provide psychosocial support services to public service staff in conflict zones to help them continue their work.
Traditional Authorities: Traditional leaders should demonstrate resilience in conflict management, using restorative rather than antagonistic approaches.
Civil Society and Peace Actors: These groups should promote social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in the two regions.
National Peace Council: The Council should foster an environment conducive to engagement and trust-building among feuding parties..
Prayers for Peace: All religious leaders are encouraged to pray earnestly for peace in Bawku and other conflict-affected areas.
Commitment to Non-Violence: Feuding parties should commit to non-violent approaches and engage in the mediation process led by the Asantehene, recognizing that peace is a shared responsibility.Bishop Agyenta’s appeal underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to restore stability and promote development in the affected regions.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya Adongo.