Bawku is once again in the spotlight for internal conflicts and leadership challenges, as this culturally rich community faces a period of strife.
Traditional leadership, a cornerstone of the community, has come under intense examination.
Dauda Jawara Salifu, spokesperson for the Mamprusi in Bawku and a member of the Nayiri Legal Team, recently voiced concerns over calls to remove Chief Abagre Seidu, emphasizing the potentially serious consequences of such actions on the community's social cohesion. "Don't forget that he is a father, grandfather, head of the family, head of the clan, and his people need his spiritual and wise guidance," Salifu remarked, stressing the cultural importance of respecting elders and traditional leaders.
He cautioned against the idea of exiling Chief Seidu, warning that such a decision could incite unrest. "You cannot exile somebody and ask that they don't come back to your hometown because when you do, there would be some bloodshed," Salifu stated, highlighting the delicate balance within the social structure and the risks of conflict without reconciliation.
According to him, Mr. Seidu was enskinned by a Nayiri who is the kingmaker of Bawku, adding that Mr. Seidu was just a beneficiary.
He added, “When you go to the Constitution, Article 277, it clearly states how somebody becomes a chief. Nobodu has said that Seidu does not hail from Bawku, a royal lineage, and that his enskinment was not done according to the customs and traditions of Mamprusi.
“So when people say that there was an illegality, is it to say that it did not comply with Article 277 or any other provision under the Chieftaincy Act?”
