Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central Constituency and Representative to the ECOWAS Parliament, has issued a scathing condemnation of the military’s actions in Bawku following the violent demolition of a statue and alleged brutality against civilians on July 13, 2025.
In a press release dated July 14, 2025, Ayariga expressed outrage over the destruction of the statue of Zugnan of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, by military personnel. He described the act as “unacceptable” and called for an immediate investigation by the senior hierarchy of the military. “In the same vein, I also condemn the brutality of the military yesterday, 13th July 2025,” Ayariga stated, highlighting the severity of the incident.
The MP also addressed a violent gun attack by unknown youths on a vehicle escorted by soldiers, condemning the act and urging an end to further attacks. However, he appealed to the Kusasi youth to remain calm as the government takes urgent steps to investigate what he described as “infiltrations into the ranks of the military by elements who seek to politicize and further destabilize the situation in Bawku.”The events in Bawku, a town plagued by a longstanding ethnic and chieftaincy conflict between the Kusasi and Mamprusi, have escalated tensions in recent days.
The demolition of the statue, a culturally significant symbol for the Kusasi, occurred during a military operation aimed at retrieving arms, which reportedly led to additional violence, including the deaths of two soldiers and three civilians.Ayariga extended his condolences to the families of the bereaved and those who suffered military brutalities as a result of the “unfortunate and deadly incidents.”
He emphasized the need for government action to address the root causes of the conflict and restore peace in the region.The Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has ordered an investigation into the military’s actions, including the statue’s demolition, and promised swift action based on the findings. The incident has reignited debates over the military’s role in managing the Bawku conflict, which has claimed over 200 lives since 2021 and continues to destabilize the area.
As Bawku remains under a curfew and the investigation unfolds, stakeholders are calling for dialogue to address the ethnic tensions and prevent further escalation. Ayariga’s statement underscores the urgency of resolving the crisis, which has turned the once-thriving commercial hub into a “ghost town” amid ongoing violence and economic hardship.