Whilst attending an official assignment out of the country, I have learnt about fatal violent encounters between the police and the youth in Bawku and a subsequent vandalization and attempt to burn my private residence in Bawku in anger.
I understand the anger and frustration of the youth about the pace of the resolution of the situation in Bawku and Kusaug and the misconduct of some misguided law enforcement officers.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government remains committed to its promise to ensure justice and lasting peace. My condolences to the bereaved and sympathies to the injured. In this regard, I will urge all of us to remain committed to the peace process being led by His Majesty the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The overlord of Kusaug, Zugran Naaba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II and the Overlord of Mamprugu Nayiri Naa Bɔhagu Mahami Sheriga have committed themselves to the process and are fully participating. I want to assure the people of Bawku and Kusaug, that I represent, that I remain resolute and committed to a lasting resolution of the matter according to the well-established laws and judicial decisions of Ghana which must ultimately be respected and enforced. Kindly disregard the lies being told about me by political detractors and people seeking shamelessly to take advantage of the current unfortunate situation in Bawku and Kusaug to settle personal electoral political scores.
The smear campaign on social media will not distract me. In the end, we will be vindicated.
My personal position on the matter has been known to all over the years and has never changed. It won’t change. I agree with the youth of Kusaug that another person cannot reside in Bawku claiming to be chief. But in reverence to the great Asante Stool, I leave that matter to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to resolve expeditiously.
The law enforcement officers must be cautious. The matter was referred by then President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo to His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to handle. Upon coming into office on January 7th, 2025, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama requested His Majesty Otumfuo to continue with the process.
I support President John Dramani Mahama’s decision for very good reasons. I therefore once again appeal to everyone to exercise restraint and allow the peace process led by Otumfuo to come to its logical conclusion. I also appeal to everyone to maintain cordial relations with the law enforcement agencies to protect lives in the interim.
Story by: Collins Owusu Debrah/Ahotoronline.com
