The Bawku Naba, Zug-Raan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, has reiterated the appeal for the government to create a new administrative region  in the Bawku area.

He has also appealed for the establishment of a university in the Kusaug Traditional Area.

This, he said will enhance peace, governance and expand access to tertiary education in the area.

Speaking during the 38th Samampiid Festival in Bawku on Monday [Dec 29, 2025], the Bawku Naba said these initiatives would ensure effective allocation of resources, accelerate local development, and provide opportunities for the youth and communities across the six administrative districts of Kusaug.

Present at the Samampiid Festival were traditional leaders, government officials.

The festival, first celebrated in 1987, is performed annually by the Kusasis in the Kusaug Traditional Area in the Upper East Region to thank  God for a bumper harvest.

This year’s Samampiid Festival was held under the theme: “Effective enforcement of law and order – the key to sustainable peace in Kusaug.”

The Bawku Naba emphasised that the establishment of a new region in the Kusaug Traditional Area would consolidate the peace process and ensure inclusive development.

“We humbly appeal to the government to give this request your kind and respectful consideration. Timely intervention will not only affirm our faith in the state but also open a new chapter of inclusive development, unity, and prosperity for Kusaug and the nation at large,” he said.

He also noted that the establishment of a university in Kusaug, or the elevation of the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) at Manga into a university, would expand access to tertiary education in agriculture, science, and rural development, empower local youth, and support national progress.

The Bawku Naba linked his renewed appeal to national efforts to resolve the Bawku conflict, noting that the government had fully endorsed the Asantehene-led mediation report, describing it as a fact-based roadmap for reconciliation and stability.

“Sustainable peace cannot be built on defiance of the law or inflammatory rhetoric. It must be built on respect for constitutional authority,” he said.

Highlighting years of socio-economic damage caused by the protracted conflict, the Bawku Naba welcomed the government’s announcement of a GH¢1 million Bawku Revitalisation Fund to support reconstruction, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and economic recovery.

The Bawku Naba welcomed the continued presence of the Ghana Police Service across Bawku, noting that sustained security was essential for development and social cohesion.

“All roads into and out of Bawku, and all roads within our municipality, will be opened for safe movement of all inhabitants, visitors and traders, irrespective of their ethnic origin,” he said.

He called on the youth to lead peacebuilding efforts through dialogue and resist the temptation to be used for distractions. He also reassured the government of the full cooperation of traditional authorities with law enforcement agencies to maintain public order and security.

The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, urged the youth in the area to actively participate in building peace and driving development.

He emphasised that sustainable peace must be anchored in respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and justice.

“Peace is not merely the absence of violence; it is the presence of justice, accountability, fairness, and trust in institutions. As youth, you must support dialogue, mediation, and lawful conduct while rejecting violence and provocation,” he said.

Mr Nketia highlighted that the Mahama-led government was committed to development, noting that the GH¢1 billion revitalisation fund, set for disbursement from 2026 to 2028 to support reconstruction, infrastructure, and healthcare, among others, would scale up development in the area.

He further outlined strategic infrastructure and agricultural interventions under the 2026 budget, including the construction of roads such as the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom Road, the establishment of 24-hour markets across six districts, and the development of irrigable lands for year-round farming.