By: Ruth Serwaa Asare
A Member of the National Democratic Congress Communication Team, Roger Wills, says government should consider taking full control of the conflict ridden land in Bawku as a long term solution to the century old chieftaincy and land disputes.
Speaking during an interview on GTV ‘Weekly Press Review’ on Friday, August 1, 2025. Mr. Wills emphasized the historical roots of the Bawku conflict and the numerous failed attempts at restoring peace through military intervention and dialogue.
“This conflict has existed for more than a century. We’ve tried peace talks, military interventions, even involvement from Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, but none has yielded lasting results,” he said.
Drawing lessons from post conflict scenarios in countries like Rwanda and Kenya, he proposed a radical but constitutionally grounded solution. ”It would be prudent, or if we can take over the land and separate these people for the government to own that particular area, it would help national security operations, and if that area becomes state property, say a military base or a state prison there would be no need for installing a chief, and that ends the dispute” Mr. Wills stated.
He again acknowledged the sensitivity of relocating people and potential human rights concerns but stressed the need for bold measures to restore national peace. ‘People will talk about infringing on human rights, but this is about saving lives. Over 300 people have died from this conflict over the years. If we don’t act, we risk losing more not just lives, but potential leaders of tomorrow.”
He referenced Article 20 of the Constitution, which grants the state powers to acquire land in the national interest, arguing that the government could lawfully implement such a move and added that “the time has come for Ghana to prioritize peace over politics and take a firm, constitutionally supported stance.”
The Bawku conflict remains one of Ghana’s most protracted and violent disputes, with recent clashes again raising national concern over its impact on peace and development in the region.
