The group said innocent civilians bore the brunt of retaliatory action
The Kusaug People’s Congress (KPC) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning recent acts of alleged military brutality against civilians in Bawku and what it describes as the “appalling desecration” of the statue of the Zugraan, the Overlord of the Kusaug Kingdom.
In a press release dated July 14, the KPC expressed grave concern over a reported attack on a military escort in the troubled area, followed by what it described as an unprofessional and disproportionate military response.
The group said innocent civilians bore the brunt of the retaliatory action, with incidents of brutality that violated human rights and disrespected the cultural identity of the Kusaug people.
“The statue of the Zugraan is more than a symbol — it embodies the unity, history, and identity of the Kusaug Kingdom,” the statement read.
“To defile it is to insult the very soul of our people.”
While the KPC unequivocally condemned the initial attack on the military escort, it criticized the Ghana Armed Forces for what it called the excessive use of force, intimidation, and indiscriminate treatment of civilians.
The group is demanding an independent investigation into the military’s conduct, a formal apology from both the Ghana Armed Forces and the government, and the restoration of all cultural and historical symbols of the Kusaug Kingdom.
They are also calling for a review of the military’s operations in Bawku and stronger engagement between the government and traditional authorities to address the root causes of the conflict.
Additionally, the KPC called for the arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for recent attacks on vehicles along the Bawku–Tilli–Bolgatanga–Walewale–Tamale road and demanded enhanced security for travelers in the region.
The statement concluded with a call on civil society, peace advocates, and the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Kusaug.
“Enough is enough. The people of Kusaug deserve to live in dignity, peace, and respect,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Zebilla, Ebenezer Ndebilla, has called on the Defence Ministry and National Security to urgently withdraw the current military deployment in Bawku, alleging a deliberate plot to harm the Overlord of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II.
Addressing the media on Monday, July 14, the MP expressed grave concerns over the conduct of the deployed military personnel, whom he claims have been compromised and can no longer be trusted to maintain professional and impartial security in the area.
His concerns come in the wake of reports that members of the Ghana Armed Forces allegedly demolished a statue of the Zugraan and carried out attacks on civilians in the conflict-prone area.
AM/KA
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