The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) has temporarily closed its Bawku branch due to escalating violence in the region, joining other institutions that have suspended operations amidst the ongoing conflict.
Before this shutdown, ADB was the last commercial bank still operating in the area, with only BESSFA Rural Bank remaining.
In recent years, numerous key institutions have withdrawn from Bawku due to safety concerns, including the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), the Circuit and District Courts, and the Melcom Ghana retail chain.
In its statement, ADB confirmed: “The Agricultural Development Bank PLC (ADB) announces the temporary closure of its Bawku Branch due to the current volatile security situation in the area. The branch will resume operations as soon as the security situation in the area improves.”
ADB noted it has been the only bank in operation in Bawku for over a year, as all other commercial banks previously suspended services due to the region’s security concerns.
The conflict in Bawku, fueled by long-standing chieftaincy disputes and ethnic tensions, has seen an upsurge in violence with the recent reappearance of a rival chief, further escalating clashes between local groups.
Despite heightened security measures, the unrest continues, resulting in multiple fatalities and a climate of fear.
Recent escalations have raised the death toll to 19, deepening residents’ concerns and further destabilizing the community.
