Four political districts in the Upper East Region—Bolgatanga Municipal, Nabdam, Talensi, and Bongo collectively known as BONABOTO, have issued a stern warning to factions involved in the Bawku conflict, cautioning that their generosity must not be mistaken for weakness.
The warning follows two recent killings a pharmacist and a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) officer which they described as dangerous signs of the Bawku conflict spilling into their otherwise peaceful communities.
During an emergency meeting held on June 18, 2025, the Traditional Councils, Tindaama, Assembly members, youth groups, and civil society organisations within BONABOTO expressed alarm at the increasing insecurity resulting from retaliatory attacks.
The group condemned the violence, particularly incidents at Nangodi and Estates in Tindonmologo, Bolgatanga, labeling them as a gross breach of peace.
In a statement released after the meeting, the stakeholders said, “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.”
They also condemned a recent incident involving the assault and near-lynching of a young Bolgatanga native by a faction in the Bawku conflict, describing it as barbaric and unjustified.
A youth was reportedly attacked due to mistaken identity, an act which could have ignited wider retaliatory violence but for the intervention of key opinion leaders.
The BONABOTO bloc reaffirmed its neutrality in the ongoing Bawku chieftaincy dispute but made it clear that it would not accept being drawn into the conflict.
“We categorically reject any attempts to coerce or pressure us into supporting either faction. We expressly welcome none of such overtures,” the group stated.
Security remains a top concern. The leaders revealed that community-level actions have been taken in collaboration with security agencies to protect residents.
They called on national security agencies to increase visibility and patrols across Bolgatanga and surrounding areas to prevent further incidents.
The BONABOTO statement concluded with a passionate appeal: “We call upon all well-meaning citizens, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to support our efforts in maintaining peace while encouraging all parties to the Bawku conflict to seek lasting solutions through dialogue and mediation.”
They affirmed that while they are peaceful, they will not hesitate to take action to defend their communities from further harm.
