The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has held a high-level stakeholder engagement with traditional leaders and residents of Nangodi in response to the recent killing of Mohammed Seidu Akugri, the Bongo District Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Mr. Akugri was murdered on May 19, 2025, along the Nangodi-Bawku Road in the Nabdam District, sparking fresh concerns about the spread of violence from the longstanding Bawku conflict into neighboring communities.
The engagement, which took place at the Nabdam District Assembly, brought together chiefs, youth leaders, opinion leaders, peace ambassadors, and influential youth groups from across the district.
The meeting aimed to assure residents of government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order, and to prevent further spread of the conflict.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Atanga expressed deep concern over the widening scope of the Bawku conflict. He noted that what was once confined to the Bawku township now appears to be encroaching into nearby districts such as Nabdam, posing new threats to regional stability and public safety.
Community members put forward several recommendations to curb the growing insecurity. These included:
—Prosecution and jailing of perpetrators to serve as a deterrent.
—Installation of streetlights to enhance visibility at night.
—Establishment of additional security checkpoints.
—Intensification of security searches at road barriers.
Mr Atanga welcomed the suggestions and urged residents to support the implementation of these measures. He specifically called on communities to register all non-natives, referencing the Bongo traditional area’s practice of appointing a “Samba-Naa” or “chief of strangers” to monitor and manage the presence of unfamiliar individuals.
He also cautioned that when security measures such as thorough searches at checkpoints are introduced, the public must remain cooperative and avoid public uproar, recalling past backlash to similar initiatives.
The Minister further encouraged the community to work closely with the District Assembly to bolster security and community vigilance.
Also addressing the forum, Upper East Regional Police Commander, Raymond Wejong Ali Adofiem, called for stronger collaboration between the police and the local population. He urged residents to stay alert, report suspicious activities, and question the presence of strangers in their neighborhoods.
“The community must be the eyes and ears of law enforcement,” Commander Adofiem said. “Know your environment, be alert, and do not hesitate to contact the police if you observe anything unusual.”
