Nayiri calls on government to intensify security in Bawku and its environs

The Nayiri and Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, who also serves as President of the North East Regional House of Chiefs, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sherigah, has urged government to strengthen security in Bawku and surrounding communities to restore peace and order.

In a strongly worded press conference held at the Nayiri Palace in Nalerigu on Thursday (17 April), the traditional ruler made seven key recommendations aimed at safeguarding lives and property, and addressing the ongoing disturbances in the area, which forms part of the Mamprugu Kingdom.

The statement, delivered by the Nayiri’s spokesperson, Mba Kpatiraana, was heard by paramount chiefs, subchiefs, chief warriors, youth leaders, and other influential figures within the Mamprugu Traditional Council.

Key recommendations from the Nayiri:

1. Increase security personnel and logistics: Respond to the concerns of the Police and Military Command in Bawku by deploying adequate personnel and resources. Although costly, it is a necessary investment compared to the price of continued insecurity.
2. Empower security forces: Allow security agencies to function independently without political interference, enabling them to apprehend known criminal elements and restore order.
3. Safeguard economic freedom: Ensure that traders—especially women and children, including those from neighbouring Burkina Faso and Togo—can conduct business without obstruction in markets across the area.
4. Protect critical institutions: Secure essential services such as banks, hospitals, water and electricity providers from disruptions caused by criminal activities, thereby preventing unnecessary hardship.
5. Unify transport systems: Enforce the use of a single lorry station to prevent commuters from being targeted by criminal elements.
6. Establish strategic checkpoints: Position joint Police and Military checkpoints every five miles along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Poulimakom route to deter attacks and ensure the safe movement of people and goods.
7. Install police posts: Set up police posts in areas such as Binduri to address tribal profiling and protect innocent civilians from violence.

“Bawku must and shall rise again,” the statement read, “embodying the enduring spirit of Mamprugu—a land where diverse ethnic groups including Bissa, Mamprusi, Kusasi, Moshie, Hausa, Zambarima, Fulani, Bimoba and others have coexisted in unity and dignity.”

The Nayiri also appealed to the youth of Mamprugu to remain calm and law-abiding as leaders work towards a peaceful resolution.

“In this difficult moment, His Royal Majesty calls upon the noble youth of Mamprugu to exercise restraint, uphold the values of peace, and remain law-abiding, as efforts to secure lasting resolution and relief are actively underway,” the statement said.

The traditional ruler further urged government to allow justice to prevail and refrain from interfering in the mediation process being led by the Asantehene.

“His Royal Majesty earnestly implores the President to ensure that all state actors and institutions under his command reflect his own exemplary leadership—firm, impartial, and steadfast in upholding justice.

“The state must not falter in its sovereign duty to maintain law and order, or else Mamprugu shall have no option but to take necessary measures to safeguard its people should provocations and injustices persist unchecked,” the statement read.

The Nayiri added that he has done all within his power to calm the youth, and it is now up to government to act decisively against those who incite violence and lawlessness.

Report by Dokurugu Alhassan for Asaase News in the North East Region

Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand