The Ghana Police Service has arrested a man over comments suggesting the introduction of the extremist group Boko Haram into the country amid an ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Bawku.
Police described the remarks as posing a serious threat to public peace and national security.
The suspect, identified as Raphael Azare Kariyama, was arrested through what authorities say was an intelligence-led operation aimed at monitoring and suppressing content capable of inciting violence or undermining public order.
Confirming the arrest in a statement issued on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, said the comments were particularly dangerous given the fragile security situation in parts of the Upper East Region.
According to the police, Kariyama allegedly made statements about bringing Boko Haram into Ghana, remarks that could destabilise Bawku and neighbouring communities.
“The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspect for making inciteful comments that have the potential to disrupt peace and security in Bawku and its environs,” the statement said.
Police said the arrest followed intelligence-driven surveillance targeting individuals who use public platforms to issue threats, promote violence, or inflame existing tensions.
“The suspect, Raphael Azare Kariyama, was arrested through an intelligence-led operation to monitor and curb the spread of content that incites violence or threatens public order and national security,” the statement added.
Authorities further disclosed that the suspect remains in custody and will be arraigned before a court.
“The suspect is currently in police custody and will be put before the court to face the full rigours of the law. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other accomplices linked to this matter,” the police said.
The Ghana Police Service also cautioned the public against irresponsible use of social media, particularly on matters related to security and communal conflicts.
“The Ghana Police Service urges the general public to refrain from making, publishing, or sharing inciteful comments, as such acts undermine peace and security,” Chief Inspector Babanawo warned.
Tensions have escalated in parts of Ghana following the circulation of threats referencing Boko Haram on social media after the arrest and remand of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a Kusasi man accused of presenting himself as the Bakwu Naaba despite the government’s recognition of another chief.
The Boko Haram references gained traction after a group of angry supporters, identified as Muslims, threatened to bring the extremist group into Ghana unless Abagre was released from custody.
The threats are rooted in a protracted chieftaincy dispute in Bawku, a municipality with a long history of violent clashes between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups.
Bawku is traditionally governed by a paramount chief known as the Bakwu Naaba. While the Kusasi claim indigene status and entitlement to the stool, the Mamprusi argue that historical tradition places the chieftaincy within their lineage.
The dispute has persisted for decades, frequently erupting into violence and often requiring military intervention.
For years, the Ghanaian government has officially recognised Asigri Abugrago Azoka, a Mamprusi, as the legitimate Bakwu Naaba.
Despite this, authorities say Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who is Kusasi, began parading himself as Bakwu Naaba, a development that allegedly heightened tensions and triggered unrest.
On December 24, 2025, Abagre was forcibly removed from the disputed palace during a military-backed operation and arrested.
He was charged with impersonation, acting as a chief without qualification, and provoking violent riots.
On Monday, January 19, a High Court in Accra denied him bail and ordered that he be remanded in custody. The case is scheduled to continue on February 2.
Following the court’s decision, some of Abagre’s supporters issued inflammatory statements threatening violence and invoking Boko Haram in an apparent attempt to pressure the government into securing his release.
(SAHARA REPORTERS)
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