President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a committee to oversee the disbursement of a GH¢1 billion Revitalisation Fund aimed at restoring Bawku to its former glory as a major commercial hub following a significant decline in conflict-related violence in the area.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Presidency last Wednesday, marks a critical turning point for the municipality, which has been plagued by chieftaincy disputes and security challenges over the past years.
The committee is chaired by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and includes the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Minister designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, as a key member.
Other members are the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, and the Chief of Timpane, Cletus Abugri, whose deep understanding of the local terrain and traditional structures is expected to provide invaluable guidance in ensuring the Fund’s impact reaches the grassroots effectively.
Relative peace
Addressing the newly inaugurated committee, the President recounted the steps taken to achieve the current relative peace.
He stated that on December 16, 2025, the government received the report of the Otumfuo Mediation Committee.
At that time, President Mahama issued a firm directive for the silencing of guns in Bawku and pledged to resolve the impasse through lawful and constitutional processes.
"There has been quite an improvement since then, and the security services have remained firm in Bawku," the President stated.
"I am happy to receive the reports that we no longer hear gunshots at night and that impunity has abated," he added.
Allocation
The establishment of the Fund was announced during the receipt of the mediation report.
President Mahama explained that the allocation had now been finalised, making the GH¢1 billion available for implementation.
"This is the time to begin the implementation of the Revitalisation Fund," he declared. "We want Bawku to recapture its former glory as a major commercial centre in Ghana."
The President highlighted the developmental paralysis the conflict had caused, citing the suspension of the Tamli Dam project — a critical initiative intended to benefit four districts in the area.
The project came to a standstill after a worker was killed, forcing the contractor to withdraw.
"We were also not able to post National Service personnel or medical personnel to the area," President Mahama lamented.
However, he expressed confidence that with safety prevailing, the government could now resume those projects and ensure that Bawku received its "fair share of the national cake."
The chairperson of the committee has been tasked with disbursing the funds towards the provision of infrastructure and other essential goods and services deemed appropriate for the region's recovery.
Expressing absolute confidence in the integrity and efficiency of the members, President Mahama said: "I know that they will handle this assignment with the usual integrity and efficiency that they have demonstrated in public service over the years."
