The Universal Friendship Organisation (UFO) has issued a strong statement condemning the ongoing violence in Bawku and is calling for immediate national intervention to restore peace, stability, and development in the area.
In a press release dated Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Organisation described the security situation in Bawku as a humanitarian emergency, noting that the conflict has led to the deaths of innocent civilians, including children, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities. The Organisation warned that many more lives remain at risk if urgent action is not taken.
“The deteriorating security situation is untenable, and we cannot remain silent while our fellow citizens suffer,” the statement read.
A Call for Peace Advocacy and National Unity
The Organisation challenged peace advocacy groups, including the National Peace Council, the Christian Council of Ghana, Muslim leadership, civil society organisations, and traditional rulers, to rise to the occasion.
“Where are the voices that preach peace during election seasons?” the Organisation queried.
“We call on pastors, imams, and religious leaders to go beyond the pulpit and the mosque and take active roles in fostering peace in Bawku. This is no longer just a regional issue — it is a national emergency that demands immediate and united attention.”
Bawku on the Brink of Collapse
The protracted chieftaincy and ethnic conflict between the Kusasis and Mamprusis is reversing decades of progress in the Bawku municipality. The Organisation notes that fear and instability have driven away both public and private sector workers — including teachers, nurses, traders, and civil servants — threatening the very survival of the town.
“Bawku is becoming a ghost town. The continued violence is tearing apart the social and economic fabric of the community,” the release warned.
Failure of Peace-Building Institutions
UFO expressed disappointment in the apparent silence and passivity of key peace-building institutions and stakeholders, noting that their lack of urgency and visible engagement is eroding public trust and damaging their credibility.
“We expect bold, proactive leadership in moments like these. Unfortunately, the continued inaction of major peace actors is leaving the people of Bawku feeling abandoned,” the Organisation stated.
Recognising Government Efforts and Identifying Gaps
While acknowledging the efforts by government and security agencies to restore calm in the region, the Organisation emphasized that these efforts must be complemented by robust civil society engagement. It underscored the importance of consistent, community-driven peace initiatives that go beyond emergency responses or political cycles.
“Peace-building must not be seasonal or reactive. It should be people-centred, sustained, and inclusive.”
Recommendations for Lasting Peace
To address the crisis more effectively, the Universal Friendship Organisation is recommending the following measures:
- Enhanced border security to prevent the smuggling of illicit arms and ammunition into conflict areas.
- Increased logistical and legal support for national security forces to enable efficient and lawful containment of violence.
- Joint military and police operations to identify and disarm individuals and groups unlawfully possessing weapons.
The Way Forward: A Call to Collective Responsibility
The Organisation is urging all stakeholders — including NGOs, traditional authorities, youth leaders, peace councils, religious bodies, and community-based organisations — to take collective responsibility for the restoration of peace in Bawku.
“We must act now — not tomorrow, not during the next election cycle, but today. Every day of delay comes at the cost of more lives, more trauma, and more setbacks for the people of Bawku.”
Conclusion: Solidarity with Bawku
The Universal Friendship Organisation stands firmly in solidarity with the people of Bawku and reiterates its call for an immediate end to the conflict. The Organisation urges all stakeholders to place humanity above politics, and to work together in a spirit of unity, dignity, and reconciliation.
Read the statement below:
