The Presidential Candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga has vowed to resolve the long-standing chieftaincy conflict in Bawku, a flashpoint in Ghana’s Upper East Region, within one week if elected as President on December 7.
His pledge comes in light of ongoing violence in Bawku that has tragically claimed lives and stalled development in the area.
In an interview with the media, Dr. Hassan Ayariga expressed frustration over the government’s failure to address the conflict, which has persisted for years. He questioned why the government has not prioritized resolving the situation, which he sees as critical to Bawku’s growth and peace.
The conflict in Bawku has affected Dr. Hassan Ayariga deeply, as it involves his hometown. He has even momentarily halted his campaign to focus on advocating for peace in the region.
His commitment, if successful, could potentially end years of instability and bring about a long-awaited resolution for the people of Bawku.
He emphasized that his approach to resolving the conflict would be swift and decisive, prioritizing dialogue and mediation among the conflicting parties. He believes that, with effective leadership and a genuine commitment to peace, the chieftaincy dispute which has roots in historical and ethnic tensions can be resolved in a matter of days, not years.
He also criticized previous administrations for not dedicating sufficient attention or resources to address the underlying issues fueling the conflict.
According to Hassan Ayariga, the persistent violence has not only led to loss of lives but has also hindered economic opportunities, education, and infrastructure development in Bawku and surrounding communities. This stagnation, he argued, has left residents frustrated and contributed to a cycle of unrest.
Dr. Hassan Ayariga highlighted that lasting peace would require not only an immediate ceasefire but also sustained efforts to foster mutual understanding and cooperation among Bawku’s diverse groups.
As election season approaches, Dr. Ayariga’s promise to tackle this pressing issue has sparked conversations across the country, especially among citizens in the northern regions who are eager for a leader capable of addressing local concerns.
Source: Richard Nana Appiah Kubi/Ahotoronline.com
