Bolgatanga, Ghana – President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Bawku, calling for peace and unity in the area.
According to him, peace must reign in Bawku and surrounding areas for development and progress to thrive.
A Call for Stability and Security
Speaking in Bolgatanga on Thursday, March 20, 2024, as part of his Thank You Tour to the Upper East Region, President Mahama emphasized the importance of peace as the foundation of national development.
“My brothers and sisters, in the past few days I swore in new leadership for some of our security services.”
He continued:
“In my remarks, I spoke of peace, safety, and security not just as ideals but as the foundation of our progress. Indeed, there can be no progress without peace.”
The Cost of Conflict
President Mahama warned that the ambitious commitments his government has made—and the brighter future they envision—will mean little if communities remain divided by violence.
“The programs I have just outlined and the commitments my government has made to you, and the brighter future we envision for all our children, will mean nothing if we leave behind communities that are scarred by violence, towns that are silenced by curfews, and corporations eroded by distrust,” he said.
A Plea for Unity and Reconciliation
Advocating for peace in Bawku, President Mahama urged residents to rise above past conflicts and grievances for the sake of a better future.
“What use will our dreams be if they stand on broken ground? What future do we promise our children if they inherit walls of mistrust instead of bridges of hope? A nation divided by past wounds cannot march forward into the promise of tomorrow. We must commit to living above the slights and injuries of yesterday if we will seize the opportunities and promises of tomorrow.”
He stressed that choosing peace is an act of strength and courage, not weakness.
“Let us choose peace not out of fear but out of strength, not as a surrender but as the highest act of courage to secure our collective quest for progress.”
Let History Remember Unity, Not War
President Mahama emphasized the need for Ghanaians to be remembered for unity rather than conflict, calling for a shift in perspective.
“Let history remember us not for the battles that we fought against one another but for the unity we forged in the face of disagreement.”
Acknowledging Otumfuo’s Mediation Efforts
The President reiterated his belief that peace must prevail in Bawku and acknowledged the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his role in facilitating peace talks.
“Peace can and peace must reign in Bawku and surrounding areas. I called His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II yesterday to thank him for the commencement of his mediation efforts to find a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Bawku.”
Hope for a Peaceful Resolution
President Mahama expressed optimism that all parties involved in the mediation process in Manhyia will approach the negotiations with an open mind and a genuine desire for peace.
“It is my hope that all parties to the conflict who took part in the mediation process in Manhyia last week will consider the proposals with an open mind and return in good faith to the negotiations when they resume in two weeks’ time.”
A Future Built on Peace
With these remarks, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to fostering lasting peace in Bawku, urging all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation for the greater good of Ghana.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites
) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 
