Govt to rebuild Bawku Naba statue destroyed during weekend tensions – Defence Minister

The government has announced plans to rebuild the statue of the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, which was destroyed during disturbances in Bawku over the weekend.

The Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, during a durbar with all ranks of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) at the Burma Camp on Wednesday [July 17, 2025] assured that the government shall rebuild the statue and expects appropriate sanctions to be meted out to the perpetrators.

Dr Boamah described the destruction as unacceptable and said those responsible would be sanctioned.

“The destruction of the cherished statue in Bawku over the weekend is unacceptable. The government shall rebuild the statue and expects appropriate sanctions to be meted out to the perpetrators,” he stated in a Facebook post.

The statue, located in a public place in Bawku, was brought down amid the ongoing chieftaincy tensions between the Mamprusi and Kusasi factions.

On Tuesday, July 15, some Members of Parliament in the Upper East area, including Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba for Tempane, Mahama Ayariga for Bawku Central, Ebenezer Alumire Ndebilla for Zebilla, Anabah Thomas Winsum for Garu, Mahmoud Issifu for Binduri, and Laadi Ayii Ayamba for Pusiga, held a press conference to address the issues.

They accused some personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces of pulling down and burning the statue of Zugran Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, an act they called a “state‑sponsored assault” and demanded a full investigation, an official apology, prosecution of those responsible, compensation for victims, and a review of military operations in the area.

During the durbar with the GAF in Burma camp, the Minister of Defence also addressed security conduct in Bawku.

He condemned the shooting of two soldiers and cautioned troops against taking on unauthorised guard duties for private individuals, describing such acts as damaging to the image and discipline of the military.

He also commended a soldier who declined a bribe during anti-galamsey operations. The soldier has since been promoted by the Chief of the Defence Staff and received a GH¢10,000 personal donation from the minister.

Dr Boamah reminded personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces’ Honour Code and urged them to act in the interest of the nation and the citizens they serve.

He also outlined parts of the government’s Reset Ghana agenda for the military, including improvements in accommodation, healthcare, salaries, training, and infrastructure.

GraphicOnline