Special voting proceeds in Bawku despite early disruptions

The special voting exercise in Bawku, Ghana, got off to a rocky start on Monday, December 2, 2024, as sporadic gunshots were reported in the Bawku Central Constituency.

The gunfire caused initial delays and fear among voters, but security forces quickly intervened to restore calm.

Despite the early disruptions, voting began at 8a.m. at the Bawku Police Station, with 298 out of 526 special voters casting their ballots as of the latest update.

Unfortunately, two individuals were injured during the chaos and were rushed to the Presbyterian Hospital for treatment.

The Bawku area has a long history of chieftaincy disputes, which have often led to violent clashes between rival factions.

The conflict dates back to the colonial era, with the British indirect rule system creating tensions between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups.

The Mamprusi and Kusasi have competing claims to the Bawku throne, with each side citing historical and cultural ties to the area.

The dispute has led to repeated outbreaks of violence, including in 2007 and 2012.

In recent years, efforts have been made to resolve the conflict through mediation and negotiations.

However, the underlying issues remain unresolved, and the area remains volatile.

The special voting exercise in Bawku is a critical step in the country’s electoral process, and the Electoral Commission has deployed security personnel to ensure the safety of voters and electoral officials.