38th Samampiid festival: Bawku Naba appeals for new region, university

The Bawku Naba, Zug-Raan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, has renewed calls on the government to consider the creation of a new administrative region in the Bawku area.

He described it as a critical step toward strengthening peace, governance, and inclusive development in Kusaug.

The revered traditional ruler also appealed for the establishment of a university in the Kusaug Traditional Area, or the elevation of the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) at Manga into a full-fledged tertiary institution. He said such a move would expand access to higher education, empower the youth, and support national development efforts.

The Bawku Naba made the appeal while addressing participants at the 38th Samampiid Festival, held in Bawku on Monday, December 29, 2025. The event brought together traditional leaders, government officials, and community members from across the Kusaug Traditional Area.

According to the Bawku Naba, the creation of a new region would improve administrative efficiency, ensure equitable allocation of resources, and accelerate development across the six administrative districts that make up Kusaug. He noted that decentralisation would also help consolidate ongoing peace efforts and promote unity among the people.

“We humbly appeal to the government to give this request your kind and respectful consideration. Timely intervention will not only affirm our faith in the state but also open a new chapter of inclusive development, unity, and prosperity for Kusaug and the nation at large,” he said.

The Samampiid Festival, first celebrated in 1987, is an annual cultural event performed by the Kusasi people to express gratitude to God for a successful farming season. This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Effective enforcement of law and order – the key to sustainable peace in Kusaug.”

Linking his appeal to national peacebuilding efforts, the Bawku Naba referenced the government’s endorsement of the Asantehene-led mediation report, describing it as a fact-based roadmap for reconciliation and long-term stability in the area.

“Sustainable peace cannot be built on defiance of the law or inflammatory rhetoric. It must be built on respect for constitutional authority,” he stated.

The Bawku Naba also welcomed the government’s announcement of a GH¢1 million Bawku Revitalisation Fund, intended to support reconstruction, infrastructure development, agriculture, healthcare, education, and economic recovery following years of conflict. He further expressed appreciation for the continued presence of the Ghana Police Service, noting that sustained security was vital for social cohesion and development.

“All roads into and out of Bawku, and all roads within our municipality, will be opened for safe movement of all inhabitants, visitors and traders, irrespective of their ethnic origin,” he said.

He urged the youth to play a leading role in peacebuilding through dialogue and restraint, while assuring the government of the full cooperation of traditional authorities with law enforcement agencies.

Also addressing the gathering, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, called on the youth to actively support peace and development efforts. He stressed that peace must be anchored in constitutionalism, justice, and the rule of law.

“Peace is not merely the absence of violence; it is the presence of justice, accountability, fairness, and trust in institutions. As youth, you must support dialogue, mediation, and lawful conduct while rejecting violence and provocation,” he said.

Mr Nketia highlighted government plans to roll out a GH¢1 billion revitalisation fund between 2026 and 2028, alongside key infrastructure and agricultural projects aimed at restoring Bawku’s historic role as a commercial hub.

“Where lawlessness prevails, development retreats. Our government is committed to ensuring that security, infrastructure, education, and agriculture work together to bring prosperity and peace to the people of Bawku,” he added.