The Kusaug Traditional Council is under the leadership of Bawku Naba Zug-Raan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II. They express deep gratitude for the visit of Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno. They commend his thorough investigation into the recent incident that resulted in one death and multiple injuries. This gesture from IGP Yohuno reflects his strong commitment to transparency. It also shows his dedication to accountability. These principles align with the council’s core values. They focus on preserving community identity and promoting development.
According to Mr. David Adoliba, secretary to the Overlord, the Kusaug area’s divisional chiefs have taken a firm stance. Twenty-five chiefs issued a statement. They urge the IGP to direct his personnel to resume their assigned duties.
“After the IGP left, the divisional chiefs of the Kusaug Traditional Council also met, and they appreciated the timely intervention of the IGP. The IGP was able to win the trust of the people back, more especially the youth. And so we are calling on the IGP to equally direct the divisional command to bring back their men. It is very dangerous to have such a stretch without police presence, ” Mr Adoliba emphasized.
In addition, Mr. Adoliba emphasized the Kusaug Traditional Council’s dedication to fostering harmony and order in Bawku. He echoed Zug-Rana’s unwavering calls for peace and solidarity in the region. He stressed that open communication and collaboration are crucial in resolving conflicts. Establishing enduring peace is essential. He urged the youth to remain peaceful, abstain from harmful behaviours, and have faith in the justice system.
The Kusaug Traditional Council shows its steadfast commitment. They will partner with security agencies and other stakeholders. Their goal is to promote peace and security in Bawku. They urge all parties to prioritize peace and unity. This echoes the sentiments of the Inspector General of Police during his recent visit to Bawku. He emphasized the importance of collective action and dialogue.
The government plans to dispatch 5,000 graduates from diverse agricultural and veterinary schools. They will assist farmers in increasing productivity. They will also help in adopting contemporary farming methods.
Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku discussed the government’s Feed Ghana program. The program aims to modernise agriculture. It connects research with practical farming.
In an interview with Citi Business News, the Minister announced plans to use extension officers. “We are deploying our extension officers, and as we mentioned last Saturday, we are bringing on board 5,000 graduates from agricultural and veterinary colleges—many of whom have been home since 2015 without employment. We want all of them to be part of the Feed Ghana initiative.”
He clarified that the graduates will be assigned to various farms nationwide to assist farmers in implementing modern, scientifically based agricultural techniques.
“We want to close the gap between agricultural research and the actual practices on farms. These graduates will play a critical role in introducing modern farming techniques to local farmers,” he further emphasised.
Furthermore, the Minister announced that 300 tonnes of rice seeds have been donated to Ghana by the Korean government. These seeds will be distributed among farmers to enhance the country’s domestic rice production.
He said, “We are distributing high-quality rice and maise seeds that have been approved as best suited for our soil. The donation of 300 tonnes of rice seeds comes from KOPIA—a Korean agricultural research agency based in Ghana. Distribution has started in the southern sector, where the farming season is currently underway. We’re also preparing to supply the northern regions when the season begins in May.”
The first-ever FIFA-standard football pitch in Ghana’s Upper East Region was unveiled on Tuesday, April 15. This was made possible thanks to a generous $742,000 investment from the organization. The special occasion also marked the launch of the GFA Elite Football Academy. It included the presentation of Nissan 4×4 pickups to different Regional Football Associations. GFA President Kurt Okraku extended his heartfelt appreciation to FIFA for contributing to Ghanaian football’s growth.
Some of the GFA-Pickups distributed
The Upper East Region previously lacked a FIFA-standard pitch. Now, this advancement marks a significant achievement for football progress. This newly established facility is a part of the FIFA Forward program. It reflects Okraku’s dedication to enhancing regional football. This pitch will provide young athletes in the region with exceptional training opportunities. It will set them on a path towards a promising future in football.
GFA-Elite-Football-Academy-6
FIFA has shown strong dedication, according to Okraku. They support the GFA’s efforts to improve the core aspects of Ghanaian football. He noted that their office in Paris has played a crucial role. It has helped us achieve our goal of solidifying the foundation of our sport. This collaboration between the GFA and FIFA is anticipated to have a beneficial impact on Ghanaian football.
Kurt-Okraku—Ghana-FA-President
The newly established GFA Elite Football Academy is situated at the recently constructed field. It aims to offer top-notch instruction. It also provides learning opportunities for budding players. This academy is a crucial part of the GFA’s efforts to enhance football facilities in Ghana. It supports gifted athletes. The academy will combine academic studies with practice. This approach provides a comprehensive way to foster future football stars.
The Winkongo area of the Upper East Region is home to the FIFA Standard Pitch.
Despite the ongoing power and water disruptions, PURC supports tariff hikes.
During an interview on Joy FM’s Middaynews on Monday, April 14, Dr Obutey addressed the concerns of citizens. They are dealing with blackouts and water shortages. He stressed that utility service providers are following regulatory benchmarks established by the Commission.
According to him, we use specific benchmarks to track utilities. These include system losses, both technical and commercial. We also track the length of outages per consumer. Our most recent evaluations show that these benchmarks are being met, suggesting that the service providers comply.
The public’s frustration is mounting. It is clear that many consumers are outraged. They have to pay increased tariffs without receiving reliable services.
Dr Obutey states that equipment malfunctions are common in utility operations. Disruptions can often be attributed to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance.
“These are machines. They will break down from time to time. Planned maintenance is usually communicated ahead of time—anywhere from two hours to two weeks in advance. But when faults occur unexpectedly, companies may not have time to notify the public,” he remarked.
Donatus Akamugri Atanga is the Upper East Regional Minister. He has rejected increasing demands to declare a state of emergency in Bawku. This is due to a recent increase in violence.
A violent clash occurred on April 10 in Bawku between security personnel and local youth. Multiple fatalities were reported. There were also injuries. The situation intensified. The alleged burning of the private residence of Mahama Ayariga contributed to this escalation. He is the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central.
Amidst the rekindled tensions, specific stakeholders and residents call for the government to declare an emergency to quell the unease.
The Minister, Akamugri, disagrees with this view, claiming that the prevailing circumstances do not warrant such a move.
“It has been referred to an eminent chief to handle,” he stated.
He elaborated further: “It is not like sporadic where every day they are fighting each other. It is an instance that sparks up issues and it is brought under control. It is not an all-war situation. So, why will [we] declare a state of emergency?” he questioned.
The World Bank has pledged to support Ghana in increasing access to renewable energy. It focuses on delivering accessible and low-emission electricity. It also aims to supply reliable and affordable electricity to businesses and individuals. The Bank has also committed to supporting initiatives aimed at addressing perennial flooding in the country. Its plans include improving infrastructure to enhance flood resilience.
Mr. Wencai Zhang is the World Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer (MDCAO). He gave these assurances over the weekend. This was during a visit to several World Bank-supported projects in Ghana.
As part of his tour, Mr. Zhang visited Africa’s largest single solar rooftop project, commissioned in July 2024. Located within the Tema Free Zone, the 16.82-megawatt installation provides a cleaner and more cost-effective energy source for businesses. He also inspected drainage works and large-scale flood management infrastructure under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project. This includes upgrades to the lower Odaw channel and Korle Lagoon. The upgrades have three primary goals. They aim to reduce flood risk. They focus on improving solid waste management. They aim to enhance access to basic services in communities within the Odaw River Basin.
Mr. Zhang concluded his visit at the redeveloped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial and Mausoleum Park. This is a flagship site completed under the World Bank-funded Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP).
Speaking with management of LMI Holdings, the developers of the solar rooftop project, Mr. Zhang emphasized the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting sustainable and resilient infrastructure that generates both social and economic benefits.He expressed confidence that the 16.82MW solar project would significantly lower energy costs, enhance efficiency in the energy sector, and contribute to reducing emissions.
“Looking ahead, we are working on new projects to support the government’s industrialisation drive and expand renewable energy development in Ghana. These initiatives will take our cooperation to a new level…We will not only provide financing but also share global best practices on how other countries are reforming their energy sectors to develop renewable sources like rooftop solar,” he added.” Mr. Zhang stated
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor, lauded the World Bank for its support. He affirmed the government’s commitment to integrating more solar energy into the national grid. He encouraged LMI Holdings to take interest in future projects. He urged them to offer competitive pricing. Ghana is preparing to launch an all-in-one solar system for streetlights.
The Opposition Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee expressed concern over the escalating dispute in Bawku. They labelled it as a humanitarian crisis. They also see it as a threat to national security.
During his appearance on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, 14th April, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour brought attention to using advanced weapons in the conflict zone. He warned that this could lead to a dangerous escalation. It could possibly spiral out of control if swift action is not taken.
According to him, the situation in Bawku has escalated into a full-blown humanitarian crisis. The death toll continues to climb, causing fear among the residents. As a result, children cannot attend school, and essential services such as education and healthcare are affected. Teachers, doctors, and nurses are refusing to work in Bawku.
“What the Minority is calling for is calm. First, we extend our condolences to the bereaved families, sympathies to the injured, and to those who have lost property…But more importantly, we say Bawku deserves peace, and for that to happen, all feuding factions must exercise absolute restraint”.
Although ethnic divides have historically fueled the Bawku conflict, Rev. Ntim Fordjour cautioned that its present path is much more concerning.
According to him, a concerning change has emerged. Not all attacks are now confined to the feuding factions alone. Instead, civilians and security forces are also caught in a dangerous standoff.
If the disagreement escalates to confrontations, it will involve officers tasked with safeguarding the public. It will also involve the citizens they are meant to preserve. In that case, we will enter bleak territory.
The Ranking Member’s most concerning disclosure was his depiction of the armaments’ magnitude and complexity. They were used in the war.
Rev. Fordjour expressed deep concern over the weapons available to those involved in the conflict zone, explicitly referring to their people.
The danger posed by the presence of these weapons has led to an increase in confrontations with law enforcement. Regardless of their source, the government must immediately prevent their circulation.
Rev. Fordjour urged swift and organised action to confront the origin of these armaments.
“This is no longer about machetes or homemade rifles. We’re talking about high-grade military-style arms being used in a domestic conflict. Such weaponry emboldens the factions and makes peacekeeping difficult for security forces.”
The MP pleaded for political unity and a nonpartisan approach. This responded to the question of what further steps the government should take.
According to him, the government’s initial priority should be to remove politics from this conflict. “One of the first things the government must do is to depoliticise this conflict. Every political actor must remove the undertones and underpinnings of politics from this. This is not the time for political point scoring,” he said.
He denounced the current practice of exploiting the conflict for political gain.
“We’ve heard the dangerous rhetoric, comments like ‘when a certain party is in power, Bawku is peaceful; when another is in power, the conflict escalates.’ This kind of narrative only serves to inflame tensions. We need to rise above it.”
Rev. Fordjour backed the mediation process led by Otumfuo, deeming it necessary to address the dispute’s traditional origins.
He maintained that any peace initiative would fail. This would happen unless swift measures were taken. It is crucial to disarm factions and restrict access to weapons.
“We are supporting the government in this. This is a nationalistic effort. But the government must step up more. We cannot pretend that this is business as usual. The kind of arms being used in Bawku right now are not the kind you find in regular criminal activity. This is organised, dangerous, and must be dealt with now.”
Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza is the Minister of Roads and Highways. He has assured the chiefs and people of the Upper East Region. The Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road will be complete.
Speaking during a working visit to the project site in Bolgatanga, the Minister reiterated the current government’s commitment. The government aims to secure sustainable funding to complete the project. This completion would bring relief to the residents and boost business.
“We are all familiar with the history of this project; it is one of the unfortunate things,” Mr Agbodza said.
This project started under the Roads Fund. However, the scope quickly changed. This made it difficult to fund under the Roads Fund. As a result, funding was changed to a Commercial Facility. Parliament approved this change. Unfortunately, that was what we were doing before the debt issue happened.
He said the government had prioritised the project as one of its critical roads. It would receive serious attention. The Ministry of Finance was working to secure funds for work to resume in earnest.
“The Finance Minister has been working together with all concerned in terms of our debt restructuring, and so we are waiting for the directions of the Finance Minister on this project so we can get funds to complete it”, he said.
The Minister informed the project contractors that the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road held significant importance to the government. He added, “That is why the government has been trying to do it since 2016 or even earlier. We can only encourage you to continue with what you are doing while the issue of the financing is concluded.”
Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, said the Roads Minister’s visit demonstrated the government’s commitment. They are serious about the roads and development of the region.
Donatus-Akamugri-Atanga – Upper East Regional Minister
The Regional Minister pointed out that the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road was an international road. He described it as “the heartbeat” of the region. This road connected the country to the Sahelian region. The Minister urged the Roads Minister not to disappoint the residents.
“This road links to the Eastern Corridor Road and it makes the road infrastructure complete if this road is done but if the government completes the Eastern Corridor Road without this project, it is still incomplete.” He stressed.
Mr Akamugri noted that there was a lot of investment potential in the region. He expressed confidence that the Bawku conflict would be resolved soon. When the road is completed, it will boost business and the local economy.
“We want to urge the Roads and Finance Ministers to expedite action on the project. I will also follow up with my Members of Parliament to mount pressure on the Finance and Roads Ministers to ensure that they do the needful for the people of Upper East Region”, he said.
The Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road project began in the latter part of 2016. It was expected to be completed in two and a half years.However, the contractors left the site with their equipment for about a year due to the non-payment of arrears.
The preliminary contract sum for the project was GH¢613 million, but it was later revised to 127 million Euros.
The project was awarded to two construction firms: Mawums Construction Limited, a Ghanaian company, and Queiroz Galvao, a Brazilian company.
Upon the new government’s assumption of office in 2017, the project was repackaged and rewarded to the same companies. The work on the project had stalled since the beginning of 2023, when this report was filed.
The 117-kilometre road passes through six political districts of the Upper East Region. These are Bolgatanga Municipal, Bolgatanga East District, Nabdam District, Bawku West District, Binduri District, Bawku Municipal, and Pusiga District.
The international road links Ghana to neighbouring countries. These include Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, and Niger. The road’s completion is expected to boost internal trade. It will also enhance global trade.
Mr Agbodza inspected the Bolgatanga-Sherigu-Naaga road. He was accompanied by his deputy, Mr Alhassan Suhuyini. The construction had also stalled.
