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21. November 2024

Inhaltsverzeichnis

In welchen Landesteilen sind die ghanaischen Behörden in der Lage Einzelpersonen vor Übergriffen, die mit den bewaffneten Auseinandersetzungen des Bawku-Konflikts in Zusammenhang stehen, zu schützen?

Verfügbarkeit von staatlichem Schutz allgemein

Überblick zum Bawku-Konflikt

Aktuelle Lage in Bawku

Quellen

Anhang

Kurzbeschreibungen zu den in dieser Anfragebeantwortung verwendeten Quellen sowie Ausschnitte mit Informationen aus diesen Quellen finden Sie im Anhang.

In welchen Landesteilen sind die ghanaischen Behörden in der Lage Einzelpersonen vor Übergriffen, die mit den bewaffneten Auseinandersetzungen des Bawku-Konflikts in Zusammenhang stehen, zu schützen?

Dramani Aminu, Senior Lecturer an der Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana, erwähnt in einer E-Mail-Antwort vom November 2024, man könne nicht sagen, dass es in Ghana keine Sicherheit gebe. Das Land sei jedoch mit ernsthaften sicherheitsrelevanten Herausforderungen konfrontiert. Im Fall von Bawku bezweifelt Aminu, dass der Staat für ausreichende Sicherheit sorgen könne. Dies begründet Aminu damit, dass der Staat durch Politiker·innen und Machthaber·innen direkt am Schüren der Gewalt beteiligt sei. So werde beispielsweise der derzeitige Vizepräsident Ghanas beschuldigt, für das jüngste Wiederaufflammen der Bawku-Krise verantwortlich zu sein. Ihm werde vorgeworfen, Waffen an eine der involvierten Fraktionen geliefert zu haben, deren Mitglieder seinem Stamm angehören. (Aminu, 11. November 2024). Dramani Aminu zufolge sei es in den vergangenen Jahren möglich gewesen, der Bedrohung in Verbindung mit dem Bawku-Konflikt zu entgehen, indem man das Gemeindegebiet Bawku verlassen habe. Man habe beispielsweise nur in eine nahe gelegene Stadt wie Pusiga ziehen müssen, um sich in Sicherheit zu befinden. Mit dem Fortschreiten des Konflikts sei dies jedoch in dieser Form nicht mehr möglich. Die Behörden müssten Aminu zufolge verhindern, dass die (Konflikt-)Parteien Handlungen vornehmen, die eine Krise im Süden (z.B. Accra und Kumasi) auslösen könnte, wo die beiden Hauptakteure (die am Konflikt beteiligten ethnischen Gruppen) in denselben geografischen Gebieten leben würden. Dramani weist darauf hin, dass das Land während des Konkomba-Nanonba-Konflikts (Konflikt im nördlichen Ghana im Jahr 1994, Anm. ACCORD) schon einmal Zeuge einer solchen Situation gewesen sei. Aminu schreibt weiters, dass außerhalb von Bawku und seiner Umgebung gegenwärtig in Verbindung mit dem Bawku-Konflikt keine oder nur eine geringe Gefahr für Leben und Eigentum bestehe (Aminu, 14. November 2024).

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Verfügbarkeit von staatlichem Schutz allgemein

Dem Länderüberblick des US-amerikanischen Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) zufolge sei der ghanaische Polizeidienst (GPS) die wichtigste Strafverfolgungsbehörde in ganz Ghana und beschäftige über 30.000 Beamt·innen. Der Leiter des GPS sei der Generalinspektor der Polizei, der seinen Sitz in Accra habe.  Der GPS unterstehe dem Innenministerium und sei für die Aufrechterhaltung von Recht und Ordnung zuständig. Die ghanaische Polizei sei fast ausschließlich eine reaktive Kraft und verfüge über „moderate proaktive Techniken und Fähigkeiten“ zur Verbrechensprävention. Polizeikontrollen auf Schnellstraßen und an Engpässen in den Vierteln von Accra seien nach Einbruch der Dunkelheit üblich. Der Polizei würden oft die Ausrüstung, Ressourcen, Ausbildung und das Personal fehlen, um auf Hilferufe oder andere Notfälle zu reagieren. Der Lokalpolizei könne es an Ressourcen fehlen, um auf schwere Verbrechen im ganzen Land, einschließlich in Gebieten von Accra, zu reagieren und sie zu untersuchen. In Accra gebe es eine sichtbare Polizeipräsenz. Das Militär, das dem Verteidigungsministerium unterstehe, sei unterstützend an der Strafverfolgung beteiligt, z.B. beim Schutz kritischer Infrastruktur. Das Nationale Nachrichtenbüro, das dem Ministerium für Nationale Sicherheit unterstehe, bearbeite Fälle, die als kritisch für die Sicherheit des Staates angesehen würden. Die zivilen Behörden würden eine wirksame Kontrolle über die Sicherheitskräfte ausüben. Es sei von einigen Übergriffen durch Angehörige der Sicherheitskräfte berichtet worden (OSAC, 22. August 2024).

Hinsichtlich der Kriminalität im Land schreibt OSAC, dass der GPS bestimmte Gebiete als „Brennpunkte“ eingestuft habe, weil sie aufgrund der hohen Kriminalitätsrate, der mangelnden Polizeipräsenz und anderer Faktoren für alle, einschließlich der Polizei, gefährlich seien. Der GPS würde laut OSAC folgende Gebiete zu diesen Brennpunkten zählen:

Accra City: Madina und Umgebung, Adenta und Umgebung, Dansoman und Umgebung

Ashanti Region: Adum und Asafo Gebiete, Ejura-Manpong-Yeji Highway

Bono Region: Sankore, Hwidiem, Kenyasi

Bono East Region: Kintampo-Buipe-Tamale Highway, Atebubu-Prang-Yeji Highway

Eastern Region: Kibi (auch bekannt als Kyebi), Akim Oda Kwahu Afram Plains (normalerweise Highways)

North East Region:  Masia-Bulgataya Road

Northern Region: Tamale (hauptsächlich Raubüberfälle auf Tankstellen)

Savanah Region:  Sawla- Damongo-Fufulso Highway

Tema City: Ashaiman und Umgebung, Community 25, Golf City

Upper East Region: Bolga-Wa Road

Upper West Region: Sawla-Tuna Highway

Volta Region:  Aflao

Western Region:  Tarkwa (OSAC, 22. August 2024).

Das West Africa Center for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) erwähnt in einem Bericht vom Mai 2022, dass es im nordöstlichen Teil Ghanas, unter anderem in Gebieten wie Bawku, Saboba, Chereponi, Gushiegu und Karaga „erhebliche Defizite in der Regierungsführung“ gebe (WACCE, Mai 2022, S. 3). UNDP schreibt im Juni 2024, dass Ghana zwar für seine Demokratie und Stabilität in Westafrika bekannt sei. Das Land stehe in seinen nördlichen Regionen aber vor großen Herausforderungen. Dort hätten langanhaltende gewaltsame Konflikte und durchlässige Grenzen ein Umfeld geschaffen, das von gewalttätigen extremistischen Gruppen ausgenutzt werden könne (UNDP, 11. Juni 2024).

Hinsichtlich Entführungen wird in den Reisehinweisen des FCDO Folgendes erwähnt: In Medien sei über kriminell motivierte Entführungen in Accra, Takoradi und Kumasi berichtet worden, bei denen auch ausländische Staatsangehörige ins Visier genommen worden seien. Entführungen könnten aus finanziellen oder politischen Gründen verübt werden (FCDO, ohne Datum). Laut einem Medienbericht habe im Jänner 2024 ein Bezirksgericht in Accra einen Chauffeur zu acht Jahren Haft und Strafarbeit verurteilt, weil er versucht habe, einen Vater und seine Tochter zu entführen, um Lösegeld zu erpressen (Modern Ghana, 20. Jänner 2024). Im Oktober 2024 habe einem Medienbericht zufolge ein Bezirksgericht in Accra einen Militäroffizier und vier weitere Personen wegen ihrer angeblichen Beteiligung an einem Raubüberfall und einer Entführung eines niederländischen Staatsbürgers in Untersuchungshaft genommen (Myjoy Online, 24. Oktober 2024).

Überblick zum Bawku-Konflikt

Amos Safo[1] schreibt in einem Artikel vom November 2024 Folgendes: Historisch gesehen werde Bawku überwiegend von zwei großen ethnischen Gruppen bewohnt, den Kusasi und den Mamprusi. Der Konflikt zwischen diesen beiden ethnischen Gruppen habe seine Wurzeln in historischen Spannungen, Konkurrenz um Ressourcen und politischen Rivalitäten. Im Laufe der Jahre sei es zu gewalttätigen und tödlichen Zusammenstößen mit bewaffneten Angriffen und Brandstiftung sowie zu Rachemorden zwischen den Kusasi und den Mamprusi gekommen. Zudem seien Jugendgruppen wie die Kusasi Youth Association (KYA) und die Mamprusi Youth Association (MAYA) gegründet worden und häufig von Interessengruppen, darunter Politiker·innen und Geschäftsleute, bewaffnet worden. Sicherheitsexpert·innen würden die Hauptursachen des Konflikts in Landstreitigkeiten, Unstimmigkeiten über das Amt des Oberhaupts, Kämpfen um politische Macht, wachsenden Armutsunterschieden und der Konkurrenz um knappe Ressourcen sehen. Weitere Faktoren seien die hohe Armut, die Jugendarbeitslosigkeit und der unzureichende Zugang zu Bildung und Gesundheitsversorgung. Safo zufolge würde jede Regierung, die an der Macht sei, eine der beiden Fraktionen, entweder die Kusasi oder die Mamprusi, unterstützen. Der Konflikt habe sich in den 1990er Jahren aus politischen Gründen verschärft, als die beiden wichtigsten politischen Parteien Ghanas, die New Patriotic Party (NPP) und der National Democratic Congress (NDC), verfeindet gewesen seien (Safo, 4. November 2024). Der wiederkehrende Bawku-Konflikt in der Upper East Region Ghanas habe sowohl staatliche als auch nichtstaatliche Akteure dazu veranlasst, sich um Konfliktlösung und Friedenskonsolidierung zu bemühen, so ein von Aminu Dramani für das African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes verfasster Bericht. Der Konflikt sei durch eine tief verwurzelte und zunehmende Komplexität gekennzeichnet. Diese Komplexität werde durch die verschiedenen konfliktverschärfenden Verhaltensweisen der herrschenden Elite und der politischen Parteien des Landes noch verschärft. Andere Faktoren wie die Verbreitung von Waffen und die Beschlagnahme von Ackerland hätten ebenfalls zur Eskalation des Konflikts beigetragen und ihn damit hartnäckig („intractable“) gemacht (Dramani, 1. August 2023).

Im April 2023 berichtet Agence France-Presse (AFP), dass Regierungsangaben zufolge 1.000 Soldat·innen und Polizist·innen in die nördliche Region Bawku entsandt worden seien, um die Sicherheit zu verstärken, nachdem bewaffnete Männer in der Nähe der Grenze zu Burkina Faso zuvor einen Beamten getötet und zwei weitere verwundet hätten. In Bawku sei es erneut zu tödlichen Zusammenstößen zwischen ethnischen Kusasi und Mamprusi gekommen. Die Zusammenstöße würden in Verbindung mit dem Recht stehen, ein Oberhaupt für das Gebiet zu wählen, in dem es bereits eine starke Polizei- und Militärpräsenz gebe (AFP, 12. April 2023). Das Africa Defense Forum (ADF) schreibt im Mai 2023, dass die seit Jahrzehnten schwelenden ethnischen Spannungen in der Stadt Bawku kürzlich in bewaffnete Gewalt umgeschlagen seien. Es seien Sicherheitskräfte eingesetzt worden, und der Konflikt habe die Aufmerksamkeit des Landes auf sich gezogen und Befürchtungen geweckt, dass sich terroristische Gruppen in der Region ausbreiten könnten (ADF, 4. Mai 2023).

Ein im Oktober 2024 veröffentlichter Artikel von Modern Ghana erwähnt, dass unbestätigten Daten zufolge seit Wiederaufflammen des Konflikts im November 2021 über 200 Personen getötet worden seien (Modern Ghana, 29. Oktober 2024).

Aktuelle Lage in Bawku

Crisis 24 zufolge sei es am 24. Oktober 2024 in Bawku, in der Upper East Region in Verbindung mit dem Konflikt um das Amt des Oberhaupts zu Zusammenstößen gekommen, die sich in den folgenden Tagen ausgebreitet hätten. Unbekannte Angreifer·innen hätten zudem am 27. Oktober 2024 auf ein Fahrzeug nahe Gbimsi in der Region North East geschossen und acht Personen getötet. Auch dieser Vorfall könne in Zusammenhang mit den seit langem bestehenden Spannungen in Bawku stehen. Die Behörden hätten eine Ausgangssperre verhängt. Das Wiederaufflammen der Gewalt werde auf die Rückkehr eines im Exil lebenden Anführers in der vergangenen Woche zurückgeführt, nachdem ein gegen ihn ausgestellter Haftbefehl aufgehoben worden sei. Ihm sei vorgeworfen worden, unrechtmäßig Anspruch auf das von einem anderen Oberhaupt besetzte Amt des Oberhaupts erhoben zu haben (Crisis 24, 30. Oktober 2024). Graphic Online berichtet Ende Oktober 2024, dass die Polizei und die Streitkräfte bekanntgegeben hätten, sie würden daran arbeiten, die Sicherheitslage in Bawku, den umliegenden Gebieten und entlang der Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale-Schnellstraße unter Kontrolle zu bringen (Graphic Online, 29. Oktober 2024). Die Ghanaian Times berichtet am 5. November 2024, dass im Zuge der Zusammenstöße nach elf Tagen 30 Menschen getötet worden seien und weitere Personen schwere Schussverletzungen erlitten hätten (GT, 5. November 2024). Andere Quellen berichten im November über 22 (CNR, 5. November 2024) bzw. 21 getötete Personen (Modern Ghana, 3. November 2024). Mit Stand von 14. November 2024 berichtet Citi Newsroom von 26 Toten (CNR, 14. November 2024). Im Zuge der Unruhen sei die Grundversorgung in Bawku stark beeinträchtigt worden. Lehrer·innen und Schüler·innen hätten aus Sicherheitsgründen die Schulen verlassen, während die Ghana Water Company Limited und die Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) ihren Betrieb in der Stadt eingestellt hätten, sodass die Bewohner·innen nur noch begrenzt Zugang zu Wasser und Strom hätten. Die Behörden hätten für Bawku eine Ausgangssperre von 6 bis 18 Uhr verhängt, die von Sicherheitskräften durchgesetzt werde, um die Ordnung aufrechtzuerhalten (CNR, 6. November 2024). Ende Oktober 2024 habe die Oberste Richterin Gertrude Torkornoo aufgrund des eskalierenden Konflikts in Bawku die Schließung von sieben Gerichten in Bawku und Umgebung angeordnet (Myjoy Online, 29. Oktober 2024). Am 8. November habe sie die erneute Öffnung von vier Gerichtshöfen angeordnet (Myjoy Online, 9. November 2024). Am 4. November habe eine Gruppe von Unbekannten mutmaßlich sowohl die Schließung der Gemeindeversammlung von Bawku als auch der Bezirksversammlung von Binduri in der Region Upper East erzwungen hätten. Die Gruppe habe die Verhaftung von Alhaji Seidu Abagre (jenem rivalisierenden Oberhaupt, das am 26. Oktober 2024 nach Bawku zurückgekehrt sei) gefordert. In Bawku stationiertes Militärpersonal habe die Büroräume der Stadtverwaltung am 5. November wieder geöffnet. (CNR, 6. November 2024). Bewaffnete würden sich trotz der strengen Ausgangssperre zwischen 6 und 18 Uhr den Einschränkungen widersetzen und Angriffe durchführen, die zu einem Anstieg der Spannungen geführt hätten. Viele Bewohner·innen würden beginnen, aus der Region zu fliehen. Es sei beobachtet worden, dass sechs Busse Personen aus Bawku nach Bolgatanga (ca. 70 Kilometer von Bawku entfernt, Anm. ACCORD) gebracht hätten (CNR, 14. November 2024). Dramani Aminu erwähnt in seiner E-Mail-Auskunft vom 11. November 2024, dass er am Vortag mit einer Frau aus Bawku gesprochen habe. Diese habe ihm erzählt, dass Personen, die Bawku verlassen möchten, hohe Summen an bestimmte Sicherheitskräfte zahlen müssten, damit diese sie eskortierten. Dramani Aminu erwähnt auch, dass derzeit niemand genau sagen könne, wie viele Tote es gegeben habe, da in einigen Fällen die Toten verscharrt würden, um das Verbrechen zu vertuschen (Aminu, 11. November 2024).

Quellen: (Zugriff auf alle Quellen am 21. November 2024)

·      ADF – Africa Defense Forum: Militants Could Find Foothold in Northern Ghana, 4. Mai 2023
https://adf-magazine.com/2023/04/militants-could-find-foothold-in-northern-ghana/

·      AFP – Agence France-Presse: Ghana sends reinforcements to north border after shooting, 12. April 2023 (verfügbar auf Factiva)

·      CNR - Citi Newsroom: Bawku: 61-year-old man killed; death toll now 22, 5. November 2024
https://citinewsroom.com/2024/11/bawku-61-year-old-man-killed-death-toll-now-22/

·      CNR – Citi Newsroom: Military re-opens Municipal Assembly offices locked up in Bawku, 6. November 2024
https://citinewsroom.com/2024/11/military-re-opens-municipal-assembly-offices-locked-up-in-bawku/

·      CNR – Citi Newsroom: Bawku conflict: One more person killed, death toll now 26, 14. November 2024
https://citinewsroom.com/2024/11/bawku-conflict-one-more-person-killed-death-toll-now-26/

·      Crisis24: Ghana: Further violence likely in the coming days in Bawku after communal clashes kill approximately 20 people since Oct. 24, 30. Oktober 2024
https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2024/10/ghana-further-violence-likely-in-the-coming-days-in-bawku-after-communal-clashes-kill-approximately-20-people-since-oct-24

·      Dramani, Aminu et al.: Emerging Local Voices and New Possibilities Toward Attaining Sustainable Peace in Bawku, north-eastern Ghana, African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (Hg.), 1. August 2023
https://www.accord.org.za/ajcr-issues/emerging-local-voices-and-new-possibilities-toward-attaining-sustainable-peace-in-bawku-north-eastern-ghana/

·      Dramani, Aminu: E-Mail-Auskunft, 12. November 2024

·      Dramani, Aminu: E-Mail-Auskunft, 14. November 2024

·      FCDO – Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:Foreign travel advice, Ghana, ohne Datum
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ghana/safety-and-security

·      Graphic Online: Bawku conflict: Parties suspend political campaigns, 29. Oktober 2024
https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/ghana-news-bawku-conflict-parties-suspend-political-campaigns.html

·      GT – Ghanaian Times: Bawku chieftaincy conflict:6 more killed, death toll rises to 30, 5. November 2024
https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/bawku-chieftaincy-conflict6-more-killed-death-toll-rises-to-30/

·      Modern Ghana: Driver jailed eight years for attempted kidnapping father and daughter, 20. Jänner 2024
https://www.modernghana.com/news/1286835/driver-jailed-eight-years-for-attempted-kidnapping.html

·      Modern Ghana: Bawku conflict: More than 20 person reportedly killed in renewed clash, 29. Oktober 2024
https://www.modernghana.com/news/1352801/bawku-conflict-more-than-20-person-reportedly.html

·      Modern Ghana: Bawku conflict: One more person killed; death rise to 21, 3. November 2024
https://www.modernghana.com/news/1353955/bawku-conflict-one-more-person-killed-death-rise.html

·      Myjoy Online: Soldier and 4 others remanded over robbery, kidnapping, 24. Oktober 2024
https://www.myjoyonline.com/soldier-and-4-others-remanded-over-robbery-kidnapping/

·      Myjoy Online: Chief Justice shuts 7 courts over Bawku killings, 29. Oktober 2024
https://www.myjoyonline.com/chief-justice-shuts-7-courts-over-bawku-killings/

·      Myjoy Online: Bawku conflict: Chief Justice orders immediate reopening of 4 courts in Upper East region, 9. November 2024
https://www.myjoyonline.com/bawku-conflict-chief-justice-orders-immediate-reopening-of-4-courts-in-upper-east-region/

·      OSAC – Overseas Security Advisory Council: Ghana Country Security Report, 22. August 2024
https://www.osac.gov/Content/Report/59b606e3-59bc-48e5-ab3b-1ca4b5396238

·      Safo, Amos: Development Discourse with Amos Safo: A reflection of 2023, The Business & Financial Times (Hg.), 15. Jänner 2024
https://thebftonline.com/2024/01/15/development-discourse-with-amos-safo-a-reflection-of-2023/#

·      Safo, Amos: Bawku has become a festering sore, The Business & Financial Times (Hg.), 4. November 2024
https://thebftonline.com/2024/11/04/bawku-has-become-a-festering-sore/

·      UNDP – United Nations Development Programme: UNDP and UNFPA Launch a Project to Enhance Peace and Stability in Northern Ghana, 11. Juni 2024
https://www.undp.org/ghana/press-releases/undp-and-unfpa-launch-project-enhance-peace-and-stability-northern-ghana

·      WACCE – West Africa Center For Counter-Extremism: The Threat of Violent Extremism to Coastal States: Ghana’s Exposure to Violent Extremism., Mai 2022
https://waccegh.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ghanas-Exposure-to-Violent-Extremism-WACCE-May-2022.pdf

 

Anhang: Quellenbeschreibungen und Informationen aus ausgewählten Quellen

Das Africa Defense Forum (ADF) Magazine ist ein Magazin, das vierteljährlich vom US-amerikanischen Africa Command veröffentlicht wird.

·      ADF - Africa Defense Forum Magazine: Militants Could Find Foothold in Northern Ghana, 4. Mai 2023
https://adf-magazine.com/2023/04/militants-could-find-foothold-in-northern-ghana/

„Decades of simmering ethnic tensions in the northern Ghanaian town of Bawku recently boiled over into armed violence. Security forces have been deployed, and the conflict has captured the attention of the country and raised fears of terrorist groups expanding into the region. Experts say the conflict in Bawku poses a serious threat to Ghana’s security, as violent extremist organizations often exploit local unrest. […]

Adib Saani, executive director of the Accra-based Jatikay Center for Peace Building, said Bawku is Ghana’s ‘weakest link’ in its fight to protect the country from terrorist expansion.

‘The possibility of terrorist elements taking advantage of the situation in Bawku to creep into the country is very high,’ he told The Ghana Report news website. ‘Bawku has become a semi-lawless society as a result. Criminal elements will thrive, including those engaged in the trafficking of weapons and humans.’” (ADF, 4. Mai 2023).

Agence France-Presse ist eine internationale Nachrichtenagentur.

·      AFP - Agence France-Presse: Ghana sends reinforcements to north border after shooting, 12. April 2023 (verfügbar auf Factiva)

„Ghana has sent 1,000 troops and police to the northern area of Bawku to reinforce security after gunmen killed an immigration officer and wounded two others near the border with Burkina Faso last week, government officials said. […]

Bawku, in Ghana's Upper East region, faces a simmering ethnic chieftaincy dispute that often flares into violence, as well as a growing risk of spillover from a jihadist conflict over the border. Boakye-Danquah said intelligence indicated there was no foreign interference in the Bawku chieftaincy dispute. Bawku has seen deadly clashes erupt again between ethnic Kusasi and Mamprusi over the right to choose a chieftain for the area, which already has a heavy police and military presence. Boakye-Danquah said increased troop presence will help with intelligence gathering while other troops will be involved in social interventions such as healthcare and infrastructure work.“ (AFP, 12. April 2023)

Citi Newsroom ist eine ghanaische Nachrichten-Website, die von ChannelOne News mit Sitz in Accra, Ghana betrieben wird.

·      CNR - Citi Newsroom: Bawku: 61-year-old man killed; death toll now 22, 5. November 2024
https://citinewsroom.com/2024/11/bawku-61-year-old-man-killed-death-toll-now-22/

„A 61-year-old man, known locally as OB, was killed in Mazema, a suburb of Bawku, after being caught in a crossfire during recent shootouts in the area. OB, an alms beggar, tragically lost his life, raising the death toll in the renewed conflict to 22.“ (CNR, 5. November 2024)

·      CNR – Citi Newsroom: Military re-opens Municipal Assembly offices locked up in Bawku, 6. November 2024
https://citinewsroom.com/2024/11/military-re-opens-municipal-assembly-offices-locked-up-in-bawku/

„Military personnel stationed in Bawku on Tuesday, November 5, reopened the offices of the Municipal Assembly, which had been forcibly shut by unidentified individuals amidst ongoing chieftaincy clashes in the area. On Monday, November 4, a group of unidentified men allegedly locked down both the Bawku Municipal Assembly and Binduri District Assembly in the Upper East Region. According to sources from Citi News, the group demanded the arrest of Alhaji Seidu Abagre before they would allow the offices to reopen. The unrest escalated after Seidu Abagre, a rival chief installed by the Nayiri, returned to Bawku on October 26. Abagre had previously been in exile following a February 2023 arrest warrant related to his contested installation.

However, on October 17, 2024, a High Court in Kumasi quashed the warrant, paving the way for his return. His presence has reignited the longstanding chieftaincy dispute, resulting in deadly clashes that have claimed at least two lives and left several injured. In response to the unrest, essential services in Bawku have been severely disrupted. Teachers and students have vacated schools due to safety concerns, while the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have suspended operations in the town, leaving residents with limited access to water and electricity. Authorities have imposed a 6 am to 6 pm curfew on Bawku, enforced by security personnel, to maintain order as the community braces for potential further violence” (CNR, 6. November 2024)

·      CNR - Citi Newsroom: Bawku conflict: One more person killed, death toll now 26, 14. November 2024
https://citinewsroom.com/2024/11/bawku-conflict-one-more-person-killed-death-toll-now-26/

“One more person has been killed in Bawku following a fresh outbreak of violence, bringing the death toll to 26 since the conflict resurfaced in late October 2024. Despite a strict 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. curfew imposed to curb violence, gunmen have continued to defy the restrictions, launching attacks that have escalated tensions in the area. The volatile situation has led to the closure of some schools, with businesses also significantly affected as residents fear further violence. On Tuesday, November 12, violent clashes in the Daduri suburb of Bawku left two people dead and several others injured. The clashes included a gun battle that resulted in two houses being set ablaze, intensifying the region’s security crisis. In response to the rising violence, many residents have begun fleeing the area. Six buses, escorted by military personnel, were recently observed transporting people from Bawku to Bolgatanga for safety. The renewed conflict reportedly intensified following the return of rival chief Alhaji Seidu Abagre from exile, along with recent ambushes targeting travellers, which have further inflamed tensions in the area.” (CNR, 14. November 2024)

Crisis24 ist ein global tätiges Unternehmen für Sicherheits- und Risikomanagement, das zur GardaWorld-Gruppe gehört.

·      Crisis24: Ghana: Further violence likely in the coming days in Bawku after communal clashes kill approximately 20 people since Oct. 24, 30. Oktober 2024
https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2024/10/ghana-further-violence-likely-in-the-coming-days-in-bawku-after-communal-clashes-kill-approximately-20-people-since-oct-24

„Further violence is likely in the coming days after communal clashes killed approximately 20 people in Bawku, Upper East Region, Ghana. The clashes reportedly began around Oct. 24 and spread over several days. In addition, unidentified assailants opened fire on a vehicle, killing eight people near Gbimsi in the North East Region on Oct. 27; the incident may be related to longstanding tensions in Bawku. Authorities have amended a 22:00-04:00 security curfew, now applying 18:00-06:00.

The renewed violence is due to the return of an exiled leading figure last week after the cancellation of the arrest warrant issued against him for illegally claiming the chieftainship, which was occupied by another chief.

A heightened security presence will likely remain in the area over the coming days; security forces may establish checkpoints and search vehicles and people. If tensions do not abate, officials could implement further movement restrictions in the impacted area. Locals opposed to the curfew or the security presence could stage protests; police will likely move forcefully to disperse any gatherings that may materialize.” (Crisis 24, 30. Oktober 2024)

Dramani Aminu ist Senior Lecturer im Fachbereich für Geschichte und Politikwissenschaft an der Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana.

·      Dramani, Aminu et al.: Emerging Local Voices and New Possibilities Toward Attaining Sustainable Peace in Bawku, north-eastern Ghana, African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (Hg.), 1. August 2023
https://www.accord.org.za/ajcr-issues/emerging-local-voices-and-new-possibilities-toward-attaining-sustainable-peace-in-bawku-north-eastern-ghana/

„The Bawku conflict in the Upper East Region of Ghana is one of the notable violent conflicts in the country. While usually seen as a beacon of democracy and a relatively stable polity in Africa (Gyimah-Boadi, 2009; Akin and Ade, 2018), Ghana has witnessed a lot of protracted internal conflicts for many decades. According to Aapengnuo (2013:2), the country has recorded at least 2 000 violent conflicts since gaining independence in 1957. Most of the conflicts occur in the northern part of the country. This is due to a peculiar context of colonial social engineering (of ethnic identity and traditional leadership), which causes protracted chieftaincy and land-related violent contestations in the northern half of the country (see Brukum, 2001). The Bawku conflict forms part of the many violent contestations surrounding chieftaincy and landownership and use in northern Ghana. Other key violent conflicts, most of which recur (albeit with varying effects and duration of relapse), involve, for instance, Gonja-Nawuri-Nchumuru in 1991, 1992, and 1994; Kokomba-Bimoba in 1984, 1986, and 1989 (Debrah et al., 2016); Nanumba-Konkomba in 1980, 1994, and 1995; the Dagbon conflicts in 1991 and 2002; Dagomba-Konkomba in 1994 (Brukum, 2000:131); and the ongoing Mamprusi–Kusasi conflict in Bawku.

The notoriously recurrent and intractable nature of the Bawku chieftaincy conflict has attracted conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts from both state and non-state actors (Bukari, 2013; Issifu, 2017). The literature on peacebuilding in Bawku and related conflict-affected areas in Ghana is broadly situated within two dominant discourses. […]

The relevant literature on the Bawku conflict has mainly explored the empirical contexts of the conflict involving the two main ethnic groups (Mamprusi and the Kusasi). These groups are in contention for the right to occupy the position of the paramount chief (Bawku Naba) of the Bawku traditional area (see Ladourceur, 1972; Lentz, 1993; Bombande, 2007). This conflict dates back to the colonial era, and it is known for its recurrence and protraction. It is characterised by deep-seated and increasing complexity. This complexity is further exacerbated by the various conflict-spoiling behaviours of the ruling elite and political parties in the country. In this sense, it is particularly the country’s two main political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which are involved in the conflict (Bukari, 2013; Issifu, 2017). Other factors such as the proliferation of weapons and the seizure of farmlands have also contributed to the escalation of the conflict, thereby making it intractable.” (Dramani, 1. August 2023)

Die Website zu Reisehinweisen des britischen Außenministeriums (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, FCDO) bietet umfassende Informationen für britische Staatsangehörige, die ins Ausland reisen möchten.

·      FCDO - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Foreign travel advice, Ghana, ohne Datum
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ghana/safety-and-security

„There have been reports in the media of criminally motivated kidnapping in Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi, including the targeting of foreign nationals. Kidnaps can be for financial or political gain.” (FCDO, ohne Datum)

Graphic Online ist die digitale Nachrichtenplattform der Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), einem staatlichen Medienunternehmen in Ghana.

·      Graphic Online: Bawku conflict: Parties suspend political campaigns, 29. Oktober 2024
https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/ghana-news-bawku-conflict-parties-suspend-political-campaigns.html

„Assembly locked

According to informed sources, some angry youth locked up the offices of the Bawku Municipal Assembly as a result of the situation, warning staff to stay out of the offices.

As if that was not enough, the youth posted many messages on the assembly’s building and parked vehicles on the premises, demanding specific state actions about the recurring chieftaincy-related conflict or the assembly would remain closed.

The insecurity in the town had already hampered the work of the staff of the municipal assembly who had sometimes operated away from their offices, insider sources indicated.

Security assurance

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces have assured the public that they are working to bring the security situation in Bawku, its surrounding areas and the channel along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway under control.

A statement issued yesterday said aside from the military deployment in Bawku and its environs, there was a joint police and military deployment along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway to ensure security and to manage vehicular traffic.

‘The security agencies would like to once again assure the public that we are committed to maintaining peace, law and order in Bawku and surrounding communities,’ the statement said.” (Graphic Online, 29. Oktober 2024)

Die Ghanaian Times ist eine staatliche Tageszeitung, die seit 1957 in Accra, Ghana, veröffentlicht wird.

·      GT – Ghanaian Times: Bawku chieftaincy conflict: 6 more killed, death toll rises to 30, 5. November 2024
https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/bawku-chieftaincy-conflict6-more-killed-death-toll-rises-to-30/

„SIX more people have been shot dead in the on-going Bawku chieftaincy conflict in the Upper East Re­gion at the weekend, bringing the death toll to 30 after 11 days of sustained targeted and sporadic shooting.

A driver, who was transport­ing students on a mini bus to the Kongo Senior High School (SHS) in the Nabdam District from Cinkassey, in neighbouring Togo, was attacked close to the entrance of the Bawku SHS. […]

Last month, renewed chief­taincy clash in Bawku of the Up­per East has left at least 20 people dead while other victims suffered serious gunshot wounds.

Two were shot dead at their Zongo residence in the township at about 12:00 am at dawn yesterday, while eight met their untimely demise after assailants attacked them in Bawku Township in the afternoon of Sunday.

Similarly, three young men, believed to be in their late 20s and early 30s, who were onboard a mini vehicle, were accosted on the route close to the Bawku Technical Institute (Bawku Tech), and were shot multiple times, leading to their instant death.

A reprisal attack from an angry youth also mobilised and attacked houses in about four communities, resulting in seven additional deaths.

This has brought the death toll to 20 within three days of violence and reprisal attacks in Bawku.

An eyewitness, who disclosed this to the Ghanaian Times, said the bodies of the demised had been taken by their families, as the injured victims had also been taken to the Presbyterian Hospital in Bawku, Bolgatanga Regional hospital, and other health centres in and outside the conflict area.” (GT, 5. November 2024)

Modern Ghana ist eine Nachrichten-Website, die 2005 vom ghanaischen Unternehmer Bright Owusu in Amsterdam gegründet wurde.

·      Modern Ghana: Driver jailed eight years for attempted kidnapping father and daughter, 20. Jänner 2024
https://www.modernghana.com/news/1286835/driver-jailed-eight-years-for-attempted-kidnapping.html

„An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced a driver to eight years imprisonment in hard labour for attempting to kidnap a father and daughter for ransom. Godfred Ayittey denied conspiring with Wang Liang in preparation to kidnap the two for ransom, but after trial, he was found culpable.” (Modern Ghana, 20. Jänner 2024)

·      Modern Ghana: Bawku conflict: More than 20 person reportedly killed in renewed clash, 29. Oktober 2024
https://www.modernghana.com/news/1352801/bawku-conflict-more-than-20-person-reportedly.html

„Currently, public facilities including schools, healthcare facilities and other state institutions have been closed, making access to education, healthcare services and other social services difficult.

Economic activities have also come to a standstill with markets, shops and places of public gathering being deserted.

Again, on Monday morning, some youth locked up the offices of the Bawku Municipal Assembly with an ultimatum to the government to resolve the issue within 24 hours and threatened to burn down the building should the government fail to act on their demands.

Many residents including social workers have fled the town to seek refuge elsewhere, with the presence of the security services comprising the police and military still working to protect lives and restore peace to the area.

Also, some women in Bawku on Tuesday morning also took to the streets, burning tyres to register their displeasure over what they described as a ‘lack of commitment from major stakeholders to resolve the longstanding conflict.’

‘Our husbands, children and the future are being killed every day. We are suffering, we cannot go to our farms, our children cannot go to school and our pregnant women cannot access the health facilities. We are tired, we cannot continue like this,’ some of the aggrieved women lamented.

‘I can tell you that more than 50 people have died since Thursday and killing is continuing,’ an eyewitness told the Ghana News Agency.

Mr Hamza Amadu, the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive declined to comment on the issue when contacted by the Ghana News Agency

Meanwhile, apart from deploying more security personnel to the area, the government, through the Ministry of the Interior has imposed a curfew on the Bawku Township and its environs as part of measures to bring the situation under control.

Unconfirmed data revealed that more than 200 lives have been lost since the conflict resurfaced in November 2021. “(Modern Ghana, 29. Oktober 2024)

·      Modern Ghana: Bawku conflict: One more person killed; death rise to 21, 3. November 2024
https://www.modernghana.com/news/1353955/bawku-conflict-one-more-person-killed-death-rise.html

„One more person has been killed, and his vehicle burnt in Bawku on Saturday, November 2, sparking sporadic gunfire in the area. The victim, a Bolga-Bawku commercial driver known as Maadi, was attacked on his way to Bolgatanga, bringing the death toll from recent clashes to 21.” (Modern Ghana, 3. November 2024)

MyJoy Online ist die digitale Nachrichtenplattform der Multimedia Group Limited, einem Medienunternehmen in Ghana.

·      Myjoy Online: Soldier and 4 others remanded over robbery, kidnapping, 24. Oktober 2024
https://www.myjoyonline.com/soldier-and-4-others-remanded-over-robbery-kidnapping/

„An Accra Circuit Court has remanded a military officer and four others over their alleged involvement in a robbery and kidnapping incident involving a Dutch citizen.” (Myjoy Online, 24. Oktober 2024)

·      Myjoy Online: Chief Justice shuts 7 courts over Bawku killings, 29. Oktober 2024
https://www.myjoyonline.com/chief-justice-shuts-7-courts-over-bawku-killings/

„Chief Justice, Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has ordered the closure of seven courts in the Bawku township and adjoining communities. The courts that have been affected include the High Court, Bolgatanga, Circuit Court, Bolgatanga, District Court, Bolgatanga, District Court, Zuarungu, District Court, Zebilla, District Court, Garu and District Court, Bongo. This order comes in the wake of recent disturbances in Bawku township led by the presence of Seidu Abagre, who was controversially enskinned as Bawku Naba in February 2023.” (Myjoy Online, 29. Oktober 2024)

·      Myjoy Online: Bawku conflict: Chief Justice orders immediate reopening of 4 courts in Upper East region, 9. November 2024
https://www.myjoyonline.com/bawku-conflict-chief-justice-orders-immediate-reopening-of-4-courts-in-upper-east-region/

„Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has directed the immediate reopening of four courts in the Upper East region. The courts to be reopened include the High Court, Bolgatanga; Circuit Court, Bolgatanga; District Court, Bolgatanga; and District Court, Bongo. This decision follows the earlier closure of seven courts in the Bawku township and surrounding communities due to recent disturbances in Bawku township, causing multiple clashes and deaths. […] However, in a statement issued by the Judicial Secretary on Friday, November 8, it noted that, based on the Chief Justice’s earlier decision, she has now ‘directed the reopening’ of four courts for ‘business, with immediate effect.’” (Myjoy Online, 9. November 2024)

Der Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) stellt eine Kooperation zwischen dem US-Außenministerium und dem privaten US-Sicherheitssektor dar.

·      OSAC - Overseas Security Advisory Council: Ghana Country Security Report, 22. August 2024
https://www.osac.gov/Content/Report/59b606e3-59bc-48e5-ab3b-1ca4b5396238

„Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies

The Ghana Police Service (GPS) is the primary law enforcement agency throughout Ghana and employs over 30,000 officers. The head of GPS is the Inspector General of Police, who is headquartered in Accra.  Under the Interior Ministry, GPS is responsible for maintaining law and order; however, the military, which reports to the Ministry of Defense, continued to participate in law enforcement activities in a support role, such as by protecting critical infrastructure. The National Intelligence Bureau handles cases considered critical to state security and answers to the Ministry of National Security. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. There were reports that members of the security forces committed some abuses. […]

Police Response

The Ghana Police Service is almost solely a reactive force and demonstrates moderate proactive techniques and ability to deter crime. Police checkpoints on highways and chokepoints entering neighborhoods in Accra are common after dark. Police often lack the equipment, resources, training, and personnel to respond to calls for assistance or other emergencies. Local police may lack the resources to respond to and investigate serious crimes throughout the country, including areas of Accra. There is a visible police presence in Accra, […]

The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has labeled certain areas as ‘flashpoints’ because of the large amount of crime, the lack of police presence, and other factors in the area that make them dangerous for everyone, including the police. […] Per the GPS, these flashpoints include: Accra City: Madina & environs Adenta & environs Dansoman & environs Ashanti Region: Adum & Asafo areas Ejura-Manpong-Yeji Highway Bono Region: Sankore Hwidiem Kenyasi Bono East Region: Kintampo-Buipe-Tamale Highway Atebubu-Prang-Yeji Highway  Eastern Region Kibi (aka Kyebi) Akim Oda Kwahu Afram Plains (usually highways)  North East Region:  Masia-Bulgataya Road Northern Region: Tamale (primarily robberies at fuel stations) Savanah Region:  Sawla- Damongo-Fufulso Highway Tema City: Ashaiman & environs Community 25 Golf City Upper East Region: Bolga-Wa Road Upper West Region: Sawla-Tuna Highway Volta Region:  Aflao Western Region:  Tarkwa” (OSAC, 22. August 2024)

Amos Safo ist ein Spezialist für Entwicklungs- und Kommunikationsmanagement, der sich für soziale Gerechtigkeit einsetzt.

·      Safo, Amos: Development Discourse with Amos Safo: A reflection of 2023, The Business & Financial Times (Hg.), 15. Jänner 2024
https://thebftonline.com/2024/01/15/development-discourse-with-amos-safo-a-reflection-of-2023/#

„Amos Safo is a Development and Communications Management Specialist, and a Social Justice Advocate.” (Safo, 15. Jänner 2024)

·      Safo, Amos: Bawku has become a festering sore, The Business & Financial Times (Hg.), 4. November 2024
https://thebftonline.com/2024/11/04/bawku-has-become-a-festering-sore/

„The conflict emerged out of a longstanding ethnic and political conflict that has affected the commercial town and its surroundings in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Historically, Bawku is predominantly inhabited by two main ethnic groups: the Kusasis and the Mamprusis. The conflict between these two tribes has roots in historical tensions, competition over resources, and political rivalries. Over the years, the conflict featured violent and deadly clashes involving armed attacks and arson, as well as revenge killings among the Kusasis and Mamprusi. Similarly, vigilante youth groups, such as the Kusasi Youth Association (KYA) and the Mamprusi Youth Association (MAYA) were formed and often armed by interest groups, including politicians and business people. Security analysts have identified the major causes of the conflict as land disputes, disagreements over chieftaincy, struggles over political power, increasing poverty gaps, and competition over scarce resources. Other factors include high poverty levels, youth unemployment, and inadequate access to both education and healthcare. Unfortunately, any government in power supports one of the factions, either Kusasis of Mamprusis. The conflict intensified in the 1990s for political reasons, with enmity between Ghana’s two main political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).” (Safo, 4. November 2024)

Das United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ist eine weltweit tätige Organisation der Vereinten Nationen, die sich für nachhaltige Entwicklung, Armutsbekämpfung, Demokratie und die Förderung der Menschenrechte einsetzt.

·      UNDP - United Nations Development Programme: UNDP and UNFPA Launch a Project to Enhance Peace and Stability in Northern Ghana, 11. Juni 2024
https://www.undp.org/ghana/press-releases/undp-and-unfpa-launch-project-enhance-peace-and-stability-northern-ghana

„Ghana, known for its democracy and stability in West Africa, faces significant challenges in its northern regions, where protracted violent conflicts and porous borders have created an environment ripe for exploitation by violent extremist groups.” (UNDP, 11. Juni 2024)

Das West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) ist eine unabhängige regionale Organisation, die sich auf die Prävention von gewalttätigem Extremismus und Konflikten in Westafrika konzentriert.

·      WACCE - West Africa Center For Counter-Extremism: The Threat of Violent Extremism to Coastal States: Ghana’s Exposure to Violent Extremism, Mai 2022
https://waccegh.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ghanas-Exposure-to-Violent-Extremism-WACCE-May-2022.pdf

„Just like in Northern Burkina Faso, in the North Eastern part of Ghana including areas such as Bawku, Saboba, Chereponi, Gushiegu and Karaga, there are significant governance deficits. Bad and unmotororable roads, lack of drinking water, inadequate healthcare and educational facilities and high youth unemployment render especially youth very vulnerable.“ (WACCE, Mai 2022, S. 3)

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