Dr. John Kingsley Krugu, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Zebilla Constituency, has announced the suspension of his campaign due to the escalating Bawku crisis. Apexnewsgh reports His decision comes amid rising tensions in the Kusaug Traditional Area, an action reflecting deep concerns for the community’s peace and stability. The roots of the crisis can be traced back to February 2023, when the Nayiri enskinned Alhaji Seidu Abagre as a rival Bawku Naba. The government swiftly condemned this move as a threat to national security, recognizing Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the legitimate Bawku Naba. The situation intensified with a High Court in Bolgatanga issuing an arrest warrant for Alhaji Seidu Abagre, further complicating the already fragile peace in the region. Recently, Alhaji Seidu Abagre’s return to Bawku reignited fears of instability. Dr. Krugu, deeply troubled by these provocative actions, believes they pose a significant threat to the progress made in maintaining peace in Bawku and the surrounding Kusaug Traditional Area. He underscored the community’s collective determination to protect their dignity and cultural heritage during these trying times. In response to the escalating crisis, Dr. Krugu has made a heartfelt appeal to the government. He is urging officials to take decisive actions that include: (A) Arresting and prosecuting Alhaji Seidu Abagre if he continues to claim the title of Bawku Naba. (B) Enforcing laws to ensure strict compliance with Ghana’s legal framework. (C) Taking all necessary measures to protect the lives and property of citizens, thereby restoring peace and security. As the tension mounts and the safety of the community hangs in the balance, Dr. Krugu has chosen to suspend his campaign until these crucial actions are taken. He calls upon the people of Kusaug to remain calm in the face of provocations and to stand united during this challenging period. This unfolding situation not only highlights the complexities of the ongoing Bawku conflict but also underscores the need for concerted efforts towards lasting peace in a region that has seen too much violence and loss over the years. Read the full details For Immediate Release – dated 25th October 2024 Concerning Developments on Bawku Crisis: Suspension of Campaigning 1 Since last night, I have been deeply concerned about recent developments that could reignite the Bawku crisis and the entire Kusaug Traditional Area (KTA). 2 In February last year, the Nayiri purportedly enskinned Alhaji Seidu Abagre as a rival Bawku Naba. This act, swiftly condemned by the government as illegible and a threat to National Security, aggravated the volatile situation in Bawku and its environs. The government’s immediate and unequivocal response was a testament to its commitment to maintaining peace in the region, providing a sense of security to the people. 3 In a statement condemning the purported enskinment issued on February 15, 2023, the government re-iterated that the current Bawku Naba, Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, was the duly recognised Chief of Bawku. This recognition, gazetted by both the Upper East Regional House and the National House of Chiefs, serves as a pillar of stability in the region, keeping the public well-informed. 4 In the same statement, the government directed the security agencies to arrest and prosecute any other person who claimed to be Bawku Naba, adding that any further developments that threaten the peace of the area will be swiftly dealt with. 5 Subsequently, a High Court in Bolgatanga issued an arrest warrant for Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who remained in Nalerigu after his purported enskinment, ostensibly to seek cover under the Nayiri to avoid being arrested. Attempts to affect the Court warrant were resisted at the palace of the Nayiri. 6 Following the government’s decisions, including the issuance of a court arrest warrant and other concerted efforts by the government and other stakeholders, peace has gradually returned to the KTA. These efforts, which include the direction to security agencies to arrest and prosecute any other person who claimed to be Bawku Naba, demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace in the area. 7 The arrest warrant issued by the High Court in Bolgatanga was challenged at the Appeals Court in Tamale, but quite curiously, the Office of the Attorney General put in a written defence. The Court of Appeals recently ruled to overturn the High Court’s decision. 8 The Office of the Attorney General had filed an appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal. But in yet another twist, the Office of the Attorney General announced that it had abandoned its intention to appeal to the decision of the Court of Appeal. I have reliable information indicating that Alhaji Seidu Abagre has returned to Bawku. Tensions are already building up, potentially reigniting the area’s crisis. 9 I view these recent series of curious coincidental developments as acts of provocation that could have severe consequences for the peace of Bawku and the KTA. 10 I would like to emphasise that the right to self-determination would not be varied under any circumstances and that the people of Kusaug are determined to ensure their dignity and cultural heritage are always protected. 11 I am, by this release, calling on the Government to issue a statement directing the security agencies to arrest and prosecute Alhaji Seidu Abagre should he and his assigns act or insinuate in any way to suggest that he holds himself out as Bawku Naba. 12 Should the government fail to act on time, I will take further appropriate steps to protect life and property in the KTA. I am calling on the government to give meaning to its February 15, 2023 statement, when the acts of provocation started, and also ensure that the laws of Ghana are enforced and complied with by all. 13 In the interim, I have suspended my campaign and all-party activities in the Zebilla Constituency until the government takes decisive action on the ongoing acts and potential threat to peace and security being instigated and perpetrated by Alhaji Seidu Abagre and his accomplices. 14 While we
