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Tensions in Bawku in the Upper East Region are currently high following fresh shootings that have led to the death of, at least, 2 persons in the last 24 hours.
Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu said although the Regional Security Council is taking steps to restore peace to the area, the conflict-prone town is highly tensed.
“Currently what we are doing as REGSEC is to calm things for us to have peace. Yesterday, we hear during the night they were again fighting and some people have passed on. Our understanding is that officially about 2 people have died but there are reports that the number is 4 so we are checking to make sure to know the numbers”.
He added “This is what is happening. Bawku is v very charged as we speak now and we have informed our security services to see what they can do to bring calm to the place”.
The latest shootings, the minister indicated, started on Monday, February 6, 2023 after he led REGSEC to the area in a bid to broker peace following allegations of military shootings that resulted in the death and injury of some residents.
The visit has, however, not helped situations as more persons are said to have been killed following sporadic shootings that peaked on Wednesday.
“After we left, one person was killed and that was that very Monday and then the following day, 2 people were killed. I’m sure it’s because of this that led to the killings and now Bawku is very charged”.
Police in the region say at least 6 people have been killed since Monday.
The chieftaincy dispute that led to violent clashes between two tribes, Kusaasi and Mamprusi has persisted for more than 40 years, resulting in many deaths and injuries over the years.
When the clashes renewed in 2022, government took measures including banning the riding of motorbikes and wearing of traditional attire, smock in an attempt to resolve the conflict.
But the measures have proven ineffective as the area continue to record more deadly clashes between the 2 factions.