Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly condemned the conduct of military personnel in Bawku, following the destruction of a revered statue and reports of violent assaults on civilians.
In a statement issued on July 14, 2025, Mr. Ayariga expressed deep concern over the alleged demolition of a statue of the Zugran of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, reportedly carried out by members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“I condemn, in no uncertain terms, the unacceptable act of destruction of the statue of the Zugran of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, by some military personnel,” the MP stated. He stressed that such acts only serve to deepen tensions in an already fragile security environment.
Mr. Ayariga also criticized the military’s reported use of excessive force on July 13, describing the incident as a clear act of brutality. In the same breath, he condemned a violent gun attack by an unidentified youth on a vehicle said to be under military escort.
Calling for calm, the MP urged the youth of Kusaug to refrain from retaliation as the government investigates what he termed “infiltrations into the ranks of the military by elements who seek to politicise and further destabilise the situation in Bawku.”
He also offered condolences to the families of those affected by the ongoing unrest and appealed for national leadership to act swiftly.
“The government must take urgent steps to investigate and restore peace,” he added.
Bawku has experienced recurring clashes in recent months, with tensions escalating between security forces and sections of the local population, prompting renewed calls for lasting peace and accountability.
