President of the Kusang People’s Congress, Rev. Prof. John Azumah, has identified the lack of consistent enforcement of laws as the core issue fueling the decades-long Bawku conflict.
Speaking on ABC News’ morning show, Rev. Azumah emphasized that while multiple interventions from the 1950s through the 1980s attempted to address the ethnic and chieftaincy disputes in the area, none succeeded due to the government’s persistent failure to implement and uphold legal decisions.
“Knowing what I know on the ground, I don’t see the government stepping up to enforce it,” he stated, referencing past court rulings that have been disregarded by all sides involved.
The remarks come at a time when renewed efforts at peacebuilding are underway, including a high-profile mediation led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
But Rev. Azumah questioned the prospects of success if state institutions do not support the mediation with firm legal backing.
“Is the government in a position to enforce whatever the Asantehene comes up with?” he asked rhetorically, expressing scepticism that the current process would yield meaningful change without political will and accountability mechanisms.
Rev. Azumah’s comments reinforce growing concerns from civil society and regional stakeholders that without decisive state action, the Bawku conflict could persist despite numerous peace accords and dialogue platforms.
The situation underscores the importance of moving beyond symbolic gestures to concrete, enforceable steps that hold all parties accountable and restore lasting order to the region.
