The statue of the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, which was allegedly destroyed by some members of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) during a confrontation with locals last week in Bawku, Upper East Region, will be rebuilt by the government.

The statue, which was erected in 2024, in honour of the Zugraan (Overlord) of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, a culturally revered figure in Bawku. It served as a strong emblem of tradition and communal pride.

The reconstruction of the statue is expected to begin in the coming days, following a directive from His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama.

The Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, in collaboration with other security agencies, has been tasked with overseeing the process as well as restoring calm in the area.

This information was made known by the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah a durbar with all ranks of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) at the Burma Camp on Wednesday, July 17.

"To assure that His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama the Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), remains committed to bringing an end to decades-old conflict.

"To address, the recent happenings the National Security Coordinator, myself, the Minister for the Interior, the Chief of the Defence Staff and the IGP have all been tasked to play coordinated but differentiated roles to ensure that peace and calm is restored immediately and this includes restoration of the statue of the Zugran of the Kusasis traditional area," he added.

The recent altercation in Bawku has reportedly led to the deaths of five locals.

On Tuesday, July 15, some Members of Parliament in the Upper East area called for the prosecution of the soldiers involved and a compensation for the victims.

Bawku, which had remained relatively peaceful for a period, saw conflict erupt once more in late 2024. The resurgence of violence was largely sparked by the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a Mamprusi chief who had been enskinned in 2022, only to be exiled later when his enskinment was ruled illegal.

His return to Bawku followed the withdrawal of an arrest warrant against him by a Kumasi High Court in October 2024, reigniting tensions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities.

The renewed violence has resulted in deadly confrontations, including attacks on both civilians and security forces.

On April 15, Otumfuo formally announced that the critical mediation sessions would take place from April 28 to May 1 at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

However, it was postponed due to the complexity of the dispute in the locality.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s involvement in the peace process has been met with widespread approval, with many hopeful that his leadership will play a critical role in restoring peace and stability to the troubled Bawku region.

Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired), a distinguished security expert, has called for greater support for Otumfuo’s initiative, stressing the importance of embracing multi-track diplomacy to strengthen the peace process.

Colonel Aboagye urged a more inclusive approach to the mediation, calling for the involvement of various national stakeholders such as diaspora leaders, youth advocates, and women’s peacebuilding networks.

He believes that a broader, multi-dimensional strategy will result in a more sustainable and inclusive solution to the conflict.

“Support Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation through multi-track diplomacy, incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks,” he proposed.

He also cautioned that traditional diplomatic efforts alone might not be enough to resolve the deep divisions that have fueled the protracted conflict.