Former President and the 2024 Presidential Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama, has expressed concerns and called for peace and dialogue to resolve the Bawku conflict; a longstanding ethnic and territorial dispute in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
His comments come as tensions in Bawku intensified, prompting concerns about the safety and security of residents in the area.
The incessant conflict resurfaced following the return of rival Chief Alhaji Seidu Abagre from exile. The conflict regenerated leading to the loss of lives and many individuals sustaining various degrees of injuries.
Over the weekend, a fresh attack happened when some assailants set up roadblocks in both Gbimsi and Walewale Town, stopping vehicles to identify potential targets.
At least, 8 persons died in that gruesome incident.
As part of his Northern regional campaign in Saboba on Monday, October 28, 2024, Mr Mahama, whiles accusing the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration of endangering the peace and stability of the country, promised to ensure there is relative calm in Bawku and its surroundings when the NDC regains power in December
“Without peace, there cannot be progress, unfortunately, any time the peace of Ghana will be disturbed, it is the NPP government that is in power. Recently, I have been hearing some things happening in Bawku that appear to be threatening to disturb the peace there…..
“….They should not allow themselves to be provoked into violence. And so, please the people of the Bawku area, I’m begging you, pleading with you to remain calm, be restrained, and don’t resort to conflict. NDC is coming and when we come, we will make sure that there’s peace in Bawku and surrounding areas,” he assured.
The former President also urged all factions involved to exercise restraint and avoid any form of violent provocation, especially at a time where the country prepares to go to the polls in December 7.
Proferring solutions, Mr. Mahama believed an all-inclusive dialogue and negotiation to address the underlying issues driving the conflict, is the surest way to find eternal solution to what has retarded so much development within the Upper East region.
He also vowed to prioritise initiatives that will aim at uniting the divided communities in Bawku.
“I will just appeal to the people of Bawku area and all those who are stakeholders in what is happening there to exercise patience and exercise restraint. We know that some sinister handsare trying to stoke the fires of ethnic conflict,” Mr Mahama stated.
Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure to maintain order in Bawku and its environs, the government has instituted a curfew effective from October 28, 2024, mandating that residents remain indoors between 6 PM and 6 AM daily.
This decision was reached after an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, chaired by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in response to the deteriorating situation.
Source: Richard Nana Appiah Kubi/Ahotoronline.com
