Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, on Monday pledged a firmer government stance on violence tied to traditional disputes in the country’s conflict-prone regions, particularly in the restive town of Bawku. He said the government will clearly separate criminal acts from legitimate customary matters, as part of a broader effort to strengthen rule of law and restore stability.
Speaking during an official briefing on the state of the defense sector, Dr. Boamah underscored the government's intent to distinguish between cultural grievances and unlawful behavior, a move he said is critical to addressing the country’s complex security challenges.
“We shall always separate crimes from traditional matters, enabling us to deal appropriately and legally with criminals who foment trouble in the name of chieftaincy conflict,” he said.
The statement comes amid renewed tensions in Bawku, located in Ghana’s Upper East Region, where longstanding ethnic and chieftaincy disputes have frequently sparked violence. Clashes in the area have led to deaths, displacement, and increased military deployments over the years.
Dr. Boamah acknowledged the volatile situation in Bawku and the town of Alavanyo in the Volta Region, noting that the Ghana Armed Forces remain on high alert. “The Ghana Armed Forces is actively monitoring and has put in place robust mechanisms to ensure any potential escalation is swiftly contained in the interest of the people and long-lasting resolution of the conflict through dialogue,” he said.
While reaffirming the government’s commitment to peaceful dialogue, the minister also signaled a tougher approach toward individuals who exploit traditional tensions to engage in violent or criminal activity. “Violent actors hiding behind tradition will not be spared,” he said.
Ghana, long regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, has in recent years faced sporadic internal security challenges driven by ethnic tensions, land disputes, and succession rivalries. The government’s renewed focus on drawing a line between crime and custom marks an effort to curb these flare-ups without undermining the country’s diverse traditional structures.
