Former Attorney-General Martin Amidu has stressed that the Bawku chieftaincy conflict must be resolved strictly within the framework of the 1992 Constitution, warning against political interference in identity-based disputes.
He stated that governments are constitutionally bound to uphold the status quo ante as of January 7, 1993, when managing chieftaincy conflicts.
“When politicians interfere in chieftaincy or land conflicts, one begets what happened in Dagbon,” Amidu warned.
He contrasted the Bawku conflict with the Dagbon dispute, arguing that the latter was resolved by restoring legitimacy rather than reopening contested claims.
According to Amidu, political actions under the Fourth Republic have contributed to the violence witnessed in Bawku, particularly in October 2024.
He questioned whether the mediation report would be made available to the public or conflict parties and warned against surprising stakeholders with outcomes they did not consent to.
“This is basic due process of law whether it is adjudication, arbitration, or mediation,” Amidu said.
