NPC urges restraint as Bawku dialogue makes progress

The National Peace Council (NPC) says ongoing engagements between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities in Bawku are showing encouraging commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution of the long-standing conflict.

The Council, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan, said the discussions had been frank and constructive, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to share their concerns and aspirations for peace.

In a statement dated August 27, 2026, the NPC commended participants for their patience and commitment to peaceful means, stressing that progress should not be measured solely by the speed at which an agreement is reached.

The Council also urged the media, commentators and social media users to exercise responsibility in their communication about the conflict.

It called on them to verify information before publication or sharing and avoid sensational or inflammatory content, including unverified claims, videos and voice notes that could heighten tensions.

The NPC said the warning was particularly important because of the growing use of artificial intelligence, which has made it easier for AI-generated audio, video and images to be mistaken for authentic material.

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“Social media must not become another arena for the conflict,” the Council cautioned.

The NPC also called on traditional and religious leaders, women and youth to continue demonstrating leadership and commitment to peaceful coexistence.

According to the Council, lasting peace in Bawku must be owned and protected by the communities themselves.

It expressed appreciation to UNDP and the Government of Japan for their support and called on other partners to sustain the process and remain committed to an inclusive and impartial dialogue.

The Council further stressed the importance of protecting the confidentiality of sensitive engagements as the dialogue progresses.

“Peace in Bawku cannot be built by one institution, one community or one intervention, it must be built, sustained and owned together,” it said, adding that the dialogue must continue and the trust must grow.

Read the statement below

BAWKU PEACE PROCESS: BUILDING THE CONDITIONS FOR LASTING PEACE@PeaceCouncilGH together with UNDP Ghana and the Government of Japan, reports that ongoing engagements with the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities continue to yield encouraging commitment to dialogue in Bawku.… pic.twitter.com/gx41hLjLZC

— National Peace Council, Ghana (@PeaceCouncilGH) August 27, 2026