Military personnel in Bawku have reopened the offices of the Municipal Assembly, which were forcibly closed by unidentified individuals amid rising chieftaincy clashes.
The offices had been locked down by a group on November 4, demanding the arrest of Alhaji Seidu Abagre before they would allow the reopening.
The situation stems from Abagre’s return to Bawku on October 26, following his exile due to a February 2023 arrest warrant issued in connection with his contested installation as a rival chief by the Nayiri.
A High Court in Kumasi quashed the arrest warrant on October 17, 2024, clearing the way for Abagre’s return.
His arrival has reignited the longstanding chieftaincy dispute, leading to violent clashes that have resulted in at least two fatalities and several injuries.
The unrest has severely disrupted essential services in Bawku, with schools closed due to safety concerns.
Additionally, the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have suspended operations, leaving residents without water and electricity.
In response to the escalating violence, authorities have imposed a curfew from 6 am to 6 pm, with security personnel enforcing the order in an effort to maintain peace.