The Chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, James Agalga, has described the protracted Bawku conflict as a national crisis, warning that its impact now extends beyond the Upper East Region into parts of the North East Region.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile programme on Saturday, April 12 2025, Mr Agalga, who is also the Member of Parliament for Builsa North, expressed concern over the escalating violence and urged support for the mediation efforts being led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

“I speak with a heavy heart.... As you may be aware, I’ve lived in Bawku before, and so I know Bawku very well. In fact, the people in Bawku I consider them as family from both sides the Kusasis and the Mamprusis,” he said.

According to Mr Agalga, the conflict has gone beyond Bawku and is now affecting neighbouring areas including Binduri, Bulenga, and Walewale, making travel through those communities unsafe.

“This conflict didn’t start with the NDC. Even when President Akufo-Addo was in office, it escalated to the extent that the stretch between Bulenga and Walewale became a no-go area,” he noted. “I know of somebody who went to bury his father, and on his way back, his car was attacked, and he was shot.”

He said the current government has taken steps to engage the parties involved, citing President John Mahama’s visits to the Nayiri in Nalerigu and the Bawku Naba soon after taking office in January this year.

Mr Agalga explained that the president appealed to both factions to allow the mediation process to proceed, and they pledged to cooperate.

“Otumfuo has done some work. He’s met with both sides, and further engagements will be held. We need to continue to support him to bring closure to the matter,” he said.

Mr Agalga urged residents of Bawku, particularly the Kusasi community, to exercise restraint and allow time for the mediation process to take shape.

He acknowledged the frustration of many but said sustainable peace requires patience and dialogue.

“Such complex conflict situations don’t get resolved in a day or two. But I know that at the end of the day, justice will prevail, and peace will return,” he stated.

He also appealed to the security services operating in the area to act with fairness and neutrality, stressing that rebuilding trust with local residents is necessary for lasting calm.

“The security apparatus must act in a manner that inspires confidence. They must be neutral in the way they carry out their activities,” he added.

Mr Agalga called on all stakeholders, traditional leaders, political actors, community elders, and security forces to play their part in bringing the conflict to an end.

“This is a national crisis now, and we need everyone to assist in resolving the conflict,” he said.