The brutal killing of Mohammed Seidu Akugri, the Bongo District Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has sent shockwaves across the Upper East Region and the nation at large.

Akugri was reportedly shot, killed, and his body set ablaze near Nangodi, close to Bolgatanga, in what is believed to be a spillover from the protracted Bawku ethnic conflict.

The attack occurred on Sunday, May 19, 2025, according to sources familiar with the incident.

His charred remains were discovered along with his burnt motorcycle, sparking public outrage and renewed fears over the growing insecurity in the region.

In a swift response, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, issued a statement condemning the heinous act and calling on law enforcement authorities to swiftly investigate and apprehend the perpetrators.

“I hereby condemn, in no uncertain terms, the shooting, killing, and burning of the body of Mohammed Seidu Akugri… My heartfelt condolences to the family of my late comrade,” Ayariga stated.

He further urged residents to remain calm and support the ongoing peace process led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

“Significant progress is being made and no one should be allowed to derail the process,” he added.

This latest killing adds to a disturbing pattern of violence in the Upper East Region.

Just over a month ago, on April 13, two plainclothes police officers traveling on motorbikes from Bongo to Binduri were ambushed and killed by suspected armed robbers at Poyamirea near Binduri.

Their motorbikes were taken, and no arrests have been announced so far.

In the same area, another man was shot and the body burnt beyond recognition, prompting a swift review of curfew measures by the Ministry of the Interior.

The curfew in Binduri and its environs now runs from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., and a ban has been imposed on the wearing of smocks and the public use of motorcycles and tricycles—key identifiers and tools frequently used in regional conflicts.

Bawku Conflict: A Lingering Flashpoint

The Bawku conflict, rooted in long-standing ethnic tensions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities, has been a recurring source of instability in the region.

Despite multiple government interventions, violence has continued intermittently for over two decades.

Most recently, the Asantehene stepped in to mediate between the factions. From April 28 to 30, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II hosted leaders from both sides in Kumasi.

Following the talks, a temporary pause in hostilities was observed, bringing a fragile calm to the troubled area.

In a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on May 12, the Asantehene indicated that while peace talks were ongoing, the situation remained volatile and required continuous engagement.

“The little we have done has brought some calm in the area. We are not done yet… We will meet again to address the issues,” he said.

Rising Insecurity and the Path Forward

The killing of a public servant like Akugri, who was not known to be directly involved in the conflict, highlights the expanded risk zone of the Bawku crisis.

It also raises concerns about the safety of civilians and government officials working in and around conflict-prone areas.

With curfews in place, mobility restrictions enforced, and mediation efforts ongoing, many hope the national security apparatus will act decisively to prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, communities remain on edge, and calls for justice and long-term peace continue to mount.

For now, the government and traditional authorities face mounting pressure to not only maintain law and order but also deliver a sustainable resolution to one of Ghana’s most intractable conflicts.