Bawumia urges unity, end to politicisation of Bawku conflict

Former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has made a heartfelt appeal for cooperation among all stakeholders in the Bawku conflict, urging both factions and political actors to support ongoing mediation efforts led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Speaking during the New Patriotic Party’s national Thank You Tour in Bolgatanga, Dr. Bawumia expressed deep sorrow over the escalation of the conflict between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups, which has led to numerous deaths in recent months.

Appeal for ceasefire
Dr. Bawumia described the situation in Bawku as “tragic,” especially given the shared history, language, and intermarriage between the Kusasis and Mamprusis.
“Mamprusis and Kusasis are one people, and this should not be happening,” he said. “We understand each other’s language and we have intermarried, so we are one people.”
Calling for an immediate ceasefire and commitment to peace, the former vice-president emphasized that the mediation being spearheaded by the Asantehene represented a real opportunity for sustainable resolution and reconciliation in Bawku.

Condemns political exploitation of the conflict

In a strong rebuke, Dr. Bawumia condemned the politicisation of the Bawku crisis by some political actors, accusing them of exploiting the deadly conflict for selfish gains. He said it was “disingenuous” for politicians to play with chieftaincy disputes to score political points.
“The politicisation of the crisis in Bawku is very unfortunate,” he lamented. “Some people do that for their own parochial interests, not for the peace and stability of the area.”
He singled out the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for spreading what he called damaging falsehoods, including accusations that he was supporting one faction with arms.
“They lied to the people that I was buying guns for Mamprusis to kill Kusasis,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“I was so sad when I heard it. Even some NPP members believed these lies and repeated them.”

End the lies
According to Dr. Bawumia, recent developments in the Bawku area have exposed the falsehoods propagated by the NDC.
“By the grace of God, many people have now seen their lies and the truth,” he said. “Those who peddled these lies have now been exposed.”
He urged political actors, including members of his own party, to refrain from using sensitive chieftaincy issues as tools for political warfare.
“Let this be a lesson: nobody should play politics with the Bawku issue,” he added.

Hopes for peace through Asantehene’s mediation
Dr. Bawumia reiterated his strong support for the mediation effort being led by the Asantehene, expressing confidence in Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s capacity to broker peace.
“I pray the mediation team will be able to bring much-needed peace in Bawku,” he said.
He concluded with a passionate plea to all parties involved in the conflict to embrace the mediation process and commit to dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
“I want peace in Bawku more than anybody. The killings must stop. Let us all cooperate with the Asantehene and give peace a chance.”

A party at the crossroads
The 2024 defeat was a painful but necessary wake-up call for the New Patriotic Party.
Regaining the confidence of the electorate will require humility, hard work, unity, and a renewed focus on serving the people — not ruling over them.
Engaging directly with members, respecting their feedback, and addressing their concerns would be critical if the NPP hoped to regain the trust of the Ghanaian people.

‘Thank You Tour’
As the NPP embarks on ‘Thank You Tour’ and plots a path toward renewal, the lessons of 2024 will remain a powerful reminder: no party is invincible, and the will of the people must never be taken for granted.
The tour, themed “In All Things, Give Thanks to God” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), underscores the Party’s enduring commitment to acknowledging divine providence throughout its political journey.
Beyond expressing gratitude, the initiative will offer the 2024 Presidential Candidate and the Party’s Campaign Team a valuable opportunity to reconnect with grassroots supporters and reaffirm their deep appreciation for the collective efforts that fueled the electoral campaign.
The nationwide exercise will culminate in interfaith national thanksgiving services, uniting Christian and Islamic communities in a shared celebration of faith, resilience, and national unity.
The tour commenced in the Western Region on April 26, 2025, before progressing through all sixteen regions of Ghana.
Key strongholds, including the Ashanti Region feature prominently in the itinerary from April 29 to May 1 and the Greater Accra Region from 10 to 12 May.
The Central Region will host the final events of the tour on Wednesday, 4th June 2025.
Each regional engagement included constituency-level gatherings, fostering direct interactions between Party leadership and the rank-and-file.

These meetings aim to strengthen Party unity, uplift morale, and energize supporters for future political activities.
The NPP has encouraged all faithful to actively participate in this national expression of gratitude by attending the events organised within their respective regions and constituencies. Regional and constituency gatherings will serve as vibrant platforms for celebrating the Party’s shared victories and renewing its commitment to the future.
Party leaders believe that this initiative will not only deepen the NPP’s bond with its supporters but also promote a stronger culture of appreciation, unity, and democratic engagement within the Party and the broader Ghanaian society.
The tour will conclude with solemn interfaith thanksgiving services, affirming the Party’s belief in the power of national cohesion and spiritual reflection as foundations for enduring political success.