Bawku: One person has been reported dead, while other civilians have been injured following violent clashes between the youth and security personnel in Bawku, in the Upper East Region. The clash also resulted in the setting ablaze of a police barracks and the residence of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adamu Seidu, the Bawku Divisional Police Commander.
According to Ghana News Agency, the violent clashes are alleged to be linked to the longstanding chieftaincy conflict in the area, which also resulted in an attack on the private residences of two other police officers. Security sources stated that an immigration officer was also shot during the clash and is currently receiving treatment at a health facility.
Although there is still tension in the area, the security forces have managed to restore calm. The scuffle, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, started when one faction involved in the Bawku chieftaincy conflict demanded that women from the opposing side of the conflict vacate the local market.
An eyewitness who spoke to the Ghana News Agency reported that the matter was brought to the attention of the police, prompting their intervention, which led to the misunderstanding between the youth and the police. The youth reportedly opened gunfire on the police, who responded in kind, resulting in the death of one person and injuring others.
In response, the youth attacked the police barracks, setting it ablaze, which led to the burning of a police vehicle and the evacuation of police officers from the barracks. They also attacked the private residences of the Divisional Police Commander and two other police officers.
Currently, security forces, including the police and the military, have intensified patrols in the area.
