Bold and Hard truth, Never tribal…Statement on Bawku and the Kusasi-Mamprusi Conflict

Dr. Bryan Acheampong

By Evans Afari Gyan Yeboah, Bono Regional Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)

 

Recent commentary surrounding Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s statement regarding the Kusasis and the broader situation in Bawku, Ghana, has triggered a wave of criticisms — many of which, unfortunately, cloud the real issues with emotional bias and tribal undertones. It’s imperative that we approach this with clarity, fairness, and a commitment to the truth.

1. Dr. Bryan Acheampong Spoke to Real, Undeniable Facts – Not Tribalism

Critics have attempted to paint Dr. Acheampong’s remarks as tribal, inflammatory, or politically insensitive. This is both inaccurate and unfair. His statement focused on the practical and historical realities on the ground in Bawku — a region where deep-rooted tensions between the Kusasis and Mamprusis have long undermined peace, development, and democratic participation.

Dr. Acheampong’s position, while strong, was grounded in:

(1) The need to protect state institutions and electoral integrity in volatile zones.

(2) The concern that some political actors may be exploiting ethnic tensions to serve their own ambitions.

(3) The recognition that continued instability in Bawku could significantly affect the 2028 elections and Ghana’s broader democratic health.

To label this as “tribal” is to ignore the truth in favor of a politically correct smokescreen.

Ghana must face its ethnic-based conflicts honestly if peace is to be restored.

2. The Former Flagbearer’s Conduct Was Unbecoming of a National Leader

In contrast, our former flagbearer, whose history and ties to Bawku give him proximity to the conflict, should have exercised caution, maturity, and neutrality in his political conduct.

His recent posture and utterances have escalated tensions rather than calmed them.

He has failed to clearly distance himself from factional expectations, thereby fueling suspicion among both Kusasis and Mamprusis.

Rather than using his influence to champion peacebuilding and reconciliation, he has allowed personal and political interests to shape his public engagement.

For Peace and Unity,

Given his emotional proximity and perceived bias, it would be in the best interest of Bawku, the party, and the country at large for him to consider stepping aside from frontline politics—not as a punishment, but as a sacrifice for national cohesion.

His withdrawal would send a powerful message:

That peace and unity trump personal ambition.

That no political seat is worth deepening division.

That leadership is sometimes shown in restraint, not rhetoric.

 

3. The Hard Truth: Bawku’s Crisis Is Political and Historical – Not Tribal Alone

 

While some are quick to use “tribalism” as a rhetorical weapon, the Bawku conflict is multifaceted:

 

It has historical chieftaincy roots, dating back decades, if not centuries.

 

It has become politicized, with different parties perceived to align with specific factions.

 

It affects security, education, healthcare, and economic stability in the entire Upper East Region.

Dismissing these as merely “tribal” is intellectually lazy and strategically dangerous. We must confront the structural drivers of conflict and resist the temptation to sanitize or oversimplify the crisis.

Ghana Needs Truthful Leadership, Not Political Niceties

Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s intervention, whether politically convenient or not, reflects a willingness to say what others avoid. We cannot build peace on false neutrality or cowardly silence. Similarly, our political leaders — especially those deeply entangled in the issues — must learn when stepping aside is the best service to country and party.

Let us focus not on who said it, but whether it is true, and whether it will help bring lasting peace to Bawku and credible elections in 2028 and beyond.

By;

Evans Afari Gyan Yeboah

Bono Regional Organizer