Women Lead Peace March in Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri

Women from the Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri District in Ghana’s North East Region staged a peaceful protest. They demanded an immediate end to recurring clashes that harm residents.

The women walked four kilometres from Gbebruk to Bimbagu. Along the route, they chanted peace songs, waved branches, and held placards reading “Say No to Conflict,” “Peace is a Gift to Humanity,” and “Allow Peace a Chance—We Need One Another.”

The Yennutona Foundation women’s group organised the march to amplify women’s voices in peacebuilding. They aimed to engage stakeholders and push for lasting solutions.

Violent conflicts have plagued the Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri District for years. Rivalries over chieftaincy and communal disputes have killed dozens, destroyed homes, and displaced about 1,500 people.

In January 2024, rival chiefs’ installation sparked violence at Ngagma-Gbebruk. The three-day clashes killed two people and displaced over 500 residents. Rioters torched 150 homes and destroyed 5,000 sacks of food.

In February 2024, renewed chieftaincy clashes killed three people, including teacher Nashiru Maijida. The Ghana Education Service suspended classes in 21 primary schools, leaving hundreds of children out of school.

Victims shared their ordeals. Olivia Duut escaped death when attackers set her home on fire. She lost all her belongings and her bread-baking equipment. Bawah Gatrika lost her 36-year-old son in another attack. She said women suffer most in conflicts because attackers target men, leaving women vulnerable.

Farmers could not access fields during the violence. Crops failed, and families lost their livelihoods. Both women called on the government and the Overlord of Mamprugu to resolve the clashes.

Sub-Chief Dubik Saman praised the women’s courage. He said their march opened the path for dialogue. He pledged to work with stakeholders to bring sustainable peace to Bimbagu.

Source: Graphic Online