A group of Mamprusi residents reportedly rejected mathematical sets distributed by the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, citing allegations of ethnic bias.
The educational materials, intended to support candidates ahead of their national exams, were turned away by some community members.
According to the group, their decision stems from the longstanding conflict between the Mamprusi and Kusasi factions in the area.
They claimed that the distribution lacked neutrality and was perceived as favoring one side over the other due to the MP's known associations.
Hon. Mahama Ayariga has often been linked in public discourse to the Kusasi community. For some residents, this connection influences how his initiatives are viewed by rival groups.
In this case, the Mamprusi group argued that accepting the mathematical sets would be inappropriate, given the deep mistrust that continues to shape social and political interactions in the conflict-prone region.
Supporters of the MP, however, expressed frustration at the rejection. They argue that such perceptions risk politicizing educational support and unfairly depriving students of essential academic resources.
According to them, BECE candidates should be insulated from communal tensions, and learning materials must remain neutral and accessible to all students regardless of ethnic background.
The incident has sparked concern among education stakeholders and community observers. Many worry that ongoing ethnic divisions are beginning to affect the welfare of schoolchildren, particularly those preparing for critical national examinations. They emphasize that no child should be disadvantaged in their education due to adult conflicts.
The Bawku area has experienced years of tension, with periodic clashes and deep-seated mistrust affecting governance, security, and development efforts.
Even initiatives aimed at supporting education, health, or infrastructure often face challenges when interpreted through the lens of the broader ethnic conflict.
As reactions continue to emerge, attention is once again drawn to the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation in Bawku.
Observers stress that essential services, particularly education, must not become casualties of long-standing ethnic divisions.
Without deliberate efforts to build trust and neutrality, even well-intentioned support risks being rejected, ultimately harming the very students it seeks to help.