President John Dramani Mahama’s reaffirmation to mend the peace pipe amidst the long-standing communal and intra-tribal conflict in Bawku is a step in the right direction. The President’s presence in the conflict-ridden area is commendable and brings hope and life back to Bawku town and the region, which has suffered under a prolonged curfew that has affected daily life, business, and caused severe destruction of properties and farmlands.
Security, Intelligence, and Conflict Analyst Anthony Acquaye shared these thoughts on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. He noted that as a former president, Mahama is familiar with the key actors involved in the conflict, including primary, secondary, and tertiary actors, which have compounded the conflict for such a long time. Acquaye emphasized that all these actors have the potential to influence the conflict at various levels, and there is a need to address each group from a professional and intelligence perspective to find a lasting solution to the conflict in Bawku.
He reiterated the need for the government and the president to use a cooperative and collaborative approach to explore all possibilities, identify threats, and major signals to find a lasting solution to the protracted communal conflict. Acquaye advocated for a liberal, psychological, and cooperative approach, involving traditional heads and gatekeepers, to bring peace back to Bawku.
In another development, President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his government’s resolve to restore peace in Bawku, stating that it remains one of his top priorities. During a visit to the area on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, President Mahama addressed the community, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to achieving lasting peace.
“I stated that if God granted our desire and I was elected president, bringing peace to Bawku was going to be one of my number one priorities,” President Mahama said. He highlighted that this visit marks his first major assignment outside Accra since being sworn in at the Black Star Square exactly one week ago.
The President assured the people of Bawku that his administration is taking concrete steps to address the security situation. “We want to assure you that we are putting in place the various appointments so that we can have ministers and other officials responsible for security to take charge,” he stated. He also mentioned that within the week, appointments for key positions such as the Minister of Defence, Minister of Interior, National Security Advisor, National Security Coordinator, and BNI Director would be made.
Story by: Alexander Kukah
