As the sacred month of Ramadan unfolds, it presents a profound opportunity to address one of Ghana’s most enduring and volatile conflicts—the Bawku chieftaincy crisis. This decades-long dispute between the Kusasis and Mamprusis has claimed thousands of lives, displaced entire communities, and resulted in economic devastation beyond measure. While successive governments have relied on security interventions to contain the violence, such measures have failed to address the deeper historical, political, and social grievances at the heart of the conflict. Ramadan, a period dedicated to reflection, forgiveness, and reconciliation, offers a unique and sacred moment to shift the trajectory of this conflict towards lasting peace.
The Bawku conflict is not merely a localised chieftaincy dispute; it is a deeply entrenched socio-political crisis that has its origins in Ghana’s colonial and post-colonial legacy. Historians point to British colonial policies of indirect rule, which restructured traditional power dynamics in the mid-20th century, as a key trigger.
Following Ghana’s independence, successive administrations adopted varying approaches, often shaped by political expediency, which deepened ethnic divisions. This further entrenched divisions, as political opportunism, elite manipulation, and retaliatory violence have since entrenched the conflict. Traditional dispute resolution frameworks become undermined, and military interventions turn into the default response. The increasing militarisation of the dispute further escalate tensions, resulting in thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and significant economic losses across the entire region. History has repeatedly demonstrated that force alone cannot resolve conflicts rooted in deep-seated grievances.
The Zongo Caucus of NDC UK and Ireland sees Ramadan 2025 as a strategic and timely opportunity for fostering peace in Bawku. The commencement of a new administration under President John Dramani Mahama provides the political and social context necessary to reset the approach to conflict resolution. By its very nature, Ramadan fosters heightened spiritual consciousness, self-discipline, and communal solidarity, creating an opening for de-escalating tensions and fostering meaningful dialogue between the warring factions.
Islam plays a significant role in the cultural and religious identity of both Kusasis and Mamprusis, emphasising the values of peace, justice, and reconciliation. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stress the resolution of disputes through dialogue and equity, rejecting vengeance and conflict. This peace-centered approach is reinforced by the Holy Qur’an, which states: “Killing an innocent soul is like killing all of humanity, and saving an innocent soul is like saving all of humanity.” It is of priceless significance that all stakeholders including kings and chiefs, government leaders, religious clerics, and community elders embrace these teachings and use Ramadan as a bridge for reconciliation.
Ghana’s revered traditional authorities have historically played a vital role in conflict resolution. It is therefore essential that any peace initiative is constructed and led by a coalition of traditional leaders, religious scholars, and respected community elders. The Zongo Caucus believes that the National House of Chiefs stands to assume its rightful position as a mediator in this crisis, working closely with ethnic and political stakeholders to forge a sustainable resolution.
In this regard, the Caucus commends President Mahama for entrusting the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with a leading role in the peace process. Traditional peacebuilding customs, such as the “Okro Stick Ceremony,” which symbolically marks the end of hostilities, must be revived and reintegrated into the reconciliation process. These long-standing cultural practices serve as powerful tools for restoring trust and unity among divided communities.
For years, Ghana’s approach to the Bawku conflict has been security-centric, relying on military deployments and curfews to suppress violence and pause the conflict. While such measures may temporarily halt hostilities, they do not address the root causes of the conflict. A shift towards proactive peacebuilding is urgently needed. The government must foster trust through dialogue, not deepen divisions through force. The National Security apparatus must also recognize and mitigate the role of political elites who exploit the conflict for their own agendas.
Religious leaders have historically played a crucial role in peacebuilding, and Ramadan presents an opportunity to amplify their influence. Islamic clerics across the entire our beloved nation Ghana must use their platforms such as the Friday sermons (Khutbahs), daily fasting lectures (Tafsirs), and community engagement forums to reinforce the religious obligation of peace. The Christian Council and other faith-based organisations should also be actively involved in fostering reconciliation.
Religious teachings consistently emphasise the moral duty to pursue peace and coexistence. The pulpit has long been a source of guidance and unity, and its power must now be harnessed to encourage all factions to embrace peace as both a spiritual necessity and a national imperative.
Relying solely on the legal system to resolve the Bawku conflict is neither pragmatic nor sustainable. Litigation is a slow process that often exacerbates tensions rather than resolving them. The Alternative Dispute Resolution Act (2010) offers a legally binding yet culturally sensitive mechanism for achieving reconciliation. Unlike litigation, which imposes an external verdict, mediation allows both parties to co-create a solution, significantly reducing the likelihood of future contestation.
The Zongo Caucus of NDC UK and Ireland firmly believes that Ramadan 2025 must be more than just a period of religious observance, it must be a turning point in the Bawku conflict. The intergenerational cycle of violence must be broken, and this requires a paradigm shift from zero-sum conflict resolution to meaningful reconciliation. Bawku stands at a crossroads: it can either continue down the destructive path of division and bloodshed, or it can seize this opportunity to forge a future built on peace, dignity, and mutual respect that leads to prosperous future for all.
The overwhelming mandate given to the NDC government signals the people’s trust in President Mahama’s leadership and his ability to find a lasting resolution to this crisis. The government must move away from failed military-centric interventions and adopt a peacebuilding approach that integrates traditional wisdom, religious guidance, and political will.
This is a moment that requires collective action. The people of Ghana; Muslims and Christians, Kusasis and Mamprusis, traditional leaders, political leaders and civil society must unite in pursuit of a common goal: lasting peace in Bawku. Let this Ramadan mark the beginning of a new chapter, where dialogue triumphs over discord, understanding prevails over hostility, and the bonds of shared humanity transcend historical divisions.
The choice before us is clear, and the time for peace is now.
May The Peace and Blessings of Allah Be unto All.
God Bless Our Beloved Homeland Ghana.
Issaka Sannie
Zongo Caucus Coordinator, UK and Ireland Chapter
