In the wake of the horrifying murder of Mohammed Seidu Akugri — the Bongo District Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) — Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has issued a powerful statement condemning the act and calling for urgent justice.
Akugri was ambushed and gruesomely killed near Nangodi, close to Bolgatanga, before his body was burned by unidentified assailants. The savage nature of the attack has stunned the nation and further intensified fears surrounding the protracted Bawku conflict.
“I hereby condemn, in no uncertain terms, the shooting, killing, and burning of Mohammed Seidu Akugri,” Ayariga stated in a press release issued on Tuesday, May 20.
The Majority Leader expressed his deep condolences to the family of the late NHIA official and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators face swift and decisive justice.
“Law enforcement must act now. We cannot allow this region to descend into total chaos.”
Ayariga also called for calm and unity, urging citizens to rally behind ongoing peace efforts led by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who has been mediating the decades-long conflict between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups.
“I commend the youth for the restraint they’ve shown so far. We are making progress — we must not allow these violent elements to derail peace,” he said.
A Conflict Spiraling Out of Control
The murder of Akugri is the latest in a series of deadly attacks linked to the Bawku crisis. Since hostilities flared again in October 2024, dozens have died — including infants, security officers, and professionals. Over 300 people have lost their lives since November 2021, with thousands displaced as communities live in fear of the next attack.
Public servants, once seen as neutral figures, are now becoming targets — a development that analysts warn could cripple critical services in the region if not urgently addressed.
"The Region Is Bleeding"
Despite military deployments and peacebuilding efforts, armed groups continue to strike, undermining state authority and fueling widespread panic. Economic activity has nearly ground to a halt, with many families fleeing their homes for safety.
The killing of Mohammed Seidu Akugri has now become a tragic symbol of the lawlessness gripping the area — and a painful reminder of what’s at stake if peace is not restored.
The nation watches. Justice must not delay.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem